PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has brushed aside rumours of ill-health as he returned home on Sunday from yet another trip to the Far East, his sixth this year alone.
Mugabe left the country for Singapore last week prompting renewed speculation over his health.
Information Minister Webster Shamu said the veteran leader had travelled to attend a scheduled review for an eye cataract surgery he had earlier this year.
However, on Sunday the state broadcaster, ZBC, reported that a jovial Mugabe had dismissed the speculation saying he had, in fact, spent time with his daughter, Bona, who is believed to be studying in Hong Kong.
Mugabe – who turned 87 this year -- has repeatedly laughed off suggestions of ill health and reports that he was dying of cancer.
According to a US diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks, Mugabe has prostate cancer that has spread to other organs and was urged by his physician to step down in 2008.
In the cable dated June 2008 and written by James D McGee, the former US ambassador in Harare, Zimbabwe's Central Bank governor Gideon Gono was cited as saying the cancer could lead to Mugabe's death in three to five years.
Although there have been reports over the years that Mugabe's health is failing, he and his officials have never confirmed that he has any serious ailment.
He is set to represent Zanu PF in the next presidential elections which he insists must be held by March next year.
Analysts claim Mugabe and his inner circle want an early election, fearing he may not be able to cope with the demands of campaigning in two years' time when he will be 89.