Mandela taken to hospital!

Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela has been taken to hospital, the BBC reports.

Officials said he was suffering from a "long-standing abdominal complaint" which doctors felt needed "proper specialist medical attention".

The 93-year-old statesman and anti-apartheid icon has suffered declining health in recent years.

South African President Jacob Zuma's office said the "love and good wishes of all South Africans and people throughout the world" were with him.

In a statement, he asked for Mr Mandela and his family to be given privacy.

The statement did not say which hospital he had been taken to, but it is believed to be in Johannesburg.

Accordin to Karen Allen of the BBC Mandela is believed to have undergone surgery overnight.

He received treatment in Johannesburg's Milpark hospital last year for a serious chest infection.

Mr Mandela returned to the city last month from his rural home in the Eastern Cape.

A spokesman for Mr Zuma said regular updates on Mr Mandela's health would be issued.

Another BBC reporter in SA said the South African government is keen to control the flow of information, after previous alerts about the former leader's health have been the subject of much speculation.