PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe flew to Singapore for a medical check-up this week after attending a World Energy Forum in Dubai, provoking fresh speculation about his failing health and uncertain re-election bid next year.

Sources said Mugabe, dogged by old-age complications and ill-health, has once again gone to seek specialist treatment in the Far East for an undisclosed ailment and is due home this weekend.

Reports say he is suffering from prostate cancer which has metastasised and spread to other parts of the body.

His health and old age are fuelling a messy succession battle in Zanu PF, now divided into two rival factions. Fears are that Mugabe, whom doctors have reportedly said must retire, might falter in the middle of campaigns, sparking a major crisis in Zanu PF which is likely to degenerate into chaos upon his exit.