Bob grabs AirZim to pick Grace & grandson

A heavily pregnant Bona (right) at President Mugabe’s birthday party in February

Last weekend, the veteran leader took his Zim One Air Zimbabwe plane to attend the inauguration of Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni.

From there, he flew to South Africa for centenary celebrations at Fort Hare University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951.

Despite the regular presidential hires which his office claims Mugabe pays for, Air Zimbabwe teeters near collapse, with government recently revealing it had taken over the national airliner’s $200m debt.

Mugabe, now aged 92, regularly travels to Singapore, often for medical attention and also for his annual holidays.

“Zim One flew direct to Singapore from South Africa,” a senior Zanu PF official said Friday.

“The State media which regularly travels with His Excellency was left behind and likely had to make separate arrangements to return to Harare from South Africa.

“The president is likely going to pick up his wife and grandson; but it’s possible some (health) checks are also due – who knows.”

Mugabe’s daughter Bona, now married to Simba Chikore, gave birth to a baby boy in Singapore mid-last month.

The veteran leader’s wife, Grace, has been in the Southeast Asian island city state since, supporting their daughter.

Addressing relatives in Masvingo recently, Mugabe said he expected his wife and grandson back this week, revealing that doctors had advised that the tot could only fly to Harare after a month.

The First Family’s decision for Bona to deliver her son in Singapore was widely criticised locally.

But Zanu PF legislators defended the Mugabes when the matter was brought up in Parliament Thursday by the opposition.

MDC-T Zengeza East MP, Alexio Musundire, angered the ruling party after saying Mugabe should lead by example and should have sent his daughter to give birth at a local hospital.

Zanu PF MPs led by Chegutu East MP, Webster Shamu, rose to their feet to and demanded that Musundire be stopped from debating Mugabe’s daughter.

“First, we cannot discuss someone who is not present in Parliament. Second, a person is allowed to seek medical treatment at an institution of their choice,” said Shamu.

Added Zanu PF legislator (Proportional Representation) Sabina Thembani: “When someone is married, like the President’s daughter is, she can decide with her husband where they prefer to get medical treatment.”