Former Zimbabwe prime minister Robert Mugabe has died aged 95, according to multiple sources in the country.
ZimLive, a Zimbabwean news portal reports the death of the man who led the country during two spells from 1980 to 2017.
This led to an outpouring of tributes to the former prime minister and president, who was said to have passed away in a Singapore hospital after battling ill health.
Dewa Mavhinga, Southern Africa director for Human Rights Watc, said Mugabe’s nephew told him about the former Prime Minister’s death.
Mr Mavhinga added that three ex-ministers who served in Mugabe’s cabinet had confirmed the news.
The message confirming his death said: “Gushungo is no more. Rest in Peace Sekuru.” Gushungo is Mugabe’s clan name and Sekuru means uncle”.
Fadzayi Mahere the secretary for education for the opposition party MDC Zimbabwe tweeted: “Rest In Peace, Robert Mugabe.
“My response to your passing is complicated. I’m going to write a long piece.
“However, for now, deepest condolences to his family.”
Mugabe was accused of vote rigging, intimidation and embezzlement before being booted from power in 2017 after a military coup.
However the Zimbabwean leader was given the royal treatment on his state visit to the UK 25 years’ ago, including a carriage ride with the Queen and a lavish banquet.
The invitation was extended despite his reported involvement in the deaths of 10,000 people during a crackdown of opposition parties.