Gweru

Zimbabwe’s veteran President Robert Mugabe lavishly celebrated his 83rd birthday on Saturday, with a warning to his opponents planning protests against a proposed extension to his rule. ”Appropriate measures will always be taken to maintain law and order. This is a message we also send to the sponsors and instigators of the opposition,” he said.

Organisers of a lavish 83rd birthday party for Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe prepared on Friday to slaughter prize herds of cattle as shops ran short of basics such as cooking oil and bread. Africa’s oldest-serving leader, who has been in power since independence from Britain 1980, turned 83 on Wednesday amid mounting pressure to step down.