Mahofa hospitalized in South Africa, misses Mugabe birthday bash

Ailing Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Shuvai Mahofa was conspicuous by her absence at President Robert Mugabe's 92nd birthday bash in the province at the weekend, amid reports she is unwell and is hospitalized in South Africa.

Mahofa has not reported for duty since the beginning of the year and has been bedridden for close to three months after her health deteriorated soon after the Zanu-PF conference last December, amid speculation she ate poisoned food.

However, close family members have dismissed the narrative as false, saying she has a heart and kidney problem.