According to a secret cable leaked by WikiLeaks, in 2008 doctors gave Mugabe five years to live after diagnosing him with prostate cancer. The information was revealed to the former US Ambassador James McGee by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor, Gideon Gono, during a private meeting held on June 4, 2008.
Following the meeting, McGee wrote: “Gideon Gono, Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), told the Ambassador on June 4 that President Robert Mugabe has prostate cancer that has metastasised and, according to doctors, will cause his death in three to five years.”
The information in the cable has been denied by Gono.
Speculation surrounding the president’s health has been rife since his closeted visits to the Far East for medical treatment. Despite rumours at the time that he was battling cancer, it was reported that his visits to the doctor were related to an eye condition.
Post published in: News