Former President Robert Mugabe’s family allowed his wife not to be beside his body as it lied in state for a second day at Rufaro Stadium.

They had always earlier said the late stateman’s wishes had included that Grace Mugabe be beside his coffin until his burial.

Thousands of people continued on Friday to pay their last respects to Mugabe who died in a Singapore hospital last week now with questions if they were being given a real deal since Grace wasn’t there as was the promise and commitment.

Mugabe’s family statement was clear on Thursday: wherever his remains were taken, his wife Grace would have to be there.

But she was given a break on Friday and was not present at the Rufaro Stadium where the remains lay in state.

Family spokesperson Leo Mugabe said the former president’s death has taken a toll on his wife.

“She’s only human and the toll that this has taken, the pressure, the stress and those sorts of things. We are asking her, as a family, to take rest.”

This development comes after the family confirmed earlier on Friday that Mugabe will be “buried” at the National Hero’s Acre in the capital.

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