Son say 'It's not true'

Despite swirling rumours that Zimbabwe Vice President John Nkomo had died at a private hospital in South Africa, his son Jabulani has told a Zimbabwe Media house that "It's not true. I was speaking to him just now and dead people don't talk."

Minister for Media Information and Publicity Webster Shamu also dismissed the rumours saying "It's not true at all. These are the usual rumours that are thrown around by our detractors who do not seem to wish us well," he said. Nkomo's home in Milton Park in Harare showed no sign of a funeral wake.

Zanzele Ndebele also twitted that "Just spoke to his son, Jabu, who says that is bull!"

Last month the 76 year old Nkomo collapsed at his Harare home and was airlifted to an exclusive clinic in South Africa for treatment on a 'life threatening' medical condition. He was "weak and unable to walk unaided," reports said at the time.

At the clinic, his condition was considered to be life-threatening, and doctors advised him to stay in for observation," reports said. It's believed he was diagnosed with some type of cancer in 2008.

The Vice President appeared in public when he attended the burial ceremony for Retired General Solomon Mujuru at Heroes' Acre on Saturday. Nkomo looked weak and used a cane as well as two assistants to help him walk.

He immediately flew back to South Africa where he had reportedly been constantly admitted at a private hospital.