NELSON Mandela was last night flown to a military hospital for a series of medical tests.
The 94-year-old South African legend was said to be “doing well”.
And Presidenyet Jacob Zuma’s office insisted: “There’s no cause for alarm.” The frail former leader was flown from his rural home village of Qunu to hospital in Pretoria. But the exact location was being kept secret to protect his privacy.
A Zuma source said: “He’ll receive medical attention from time to time which is consistent with his age. He’s doing well.”
Mr Zuma sent Mr Mandela’s doctors his support “as they look after and ensure the comfort of our beloved founding president of a free and democratic South Africa”.
Mr Mandela has not been seen in public since his country hosted football’s World Cup in 2010. But in May he made a TV appearance when he received a symbolic flame to mark the ruling ANC’s centenary at his home.
Mr Mandela was last admitted to hospital in February for an op to investigate abdominal pain.