These pictures will alarm supporters of the independence war stalwart and ZAPU leader, Dumiso Dabengwa.

The former Home Affairs Minister is seen sitting in a wheelchair at Joshua Mqabuko International Airport – his first public sighting since December before he underwent lengthy treatment in South Africa into early this year.

The 79-year-old has liver disease, a family friend told ZimLive. Fatigue, weakness and weight loss are some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Dabengwa was wheeled to a FastJet plane to Harare on Monday morning en route to India for further treatment while being supported by his wife, Zodwa.

A witness said: “He is now an old man of course, but to see him like that was quite sad, especially for a man who did so much for his country. He was surrounded by his family, but I wondered if the government is doing anything to lessen their burden.”

zimlive