Nelson Mandela, 93, hospitalized for tests in South Africa

February 25, 2012 - 06:19 pm
Former South African President Nelson Mandela and his wife Graca Machel after they voted in local elections in Johannesburg in May 2011. (AP Photo/Elmond Jiyane, GCIS, File)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Former South African President Nelson Mandela has been hospitalized for a test to determine what is behind a stomach ailment.

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President Jacob Zuma describes the problem as a "long-standing" complaint the doctors decided needs "specialist medical attention."

In a statement, Zuma says the 93-year-old underwent a diagnostic procedure today and is now "fine and fully conscious." He says doctors are "satisfied" with Mandela's condition and say it is "consistent with his age."

Zuma says Mandela is expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow or Monday.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting racist white rule but became South Africa's first black president in 1994 and served one five-year term.

The Nobel peace laureate is officially retired and his public appearances have become increasingly rare. He did appear at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in July 2010.

Short URL: http://wj.la/zTJMHU

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