PHOTOS: President Robert Mugabe Falls Down from Stage

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HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe, 90, fell down steps from a podium after speaking to supporters upon his return from Ethiopia, say witnesses.

Mugabe appeared to miss a step and toppled when he left the raised lectern at the airport Wednesday afternoon, according to several witnesses, who insisted on anonymity because of security concerns.

His aides quickly helped him up and escorted him to his limousine which sped away, they said.

"He addressed supporters who welcomed him ... He missed a step as he walked down from the podium and immediately fell down," said a witness.

Some press photographers who captured the fall said they were forced to delete their pictures by security personnel.


Mugabe's spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

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Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, center, falls after addressing supporters upon his return from a …