Harare  - Zimbabwean Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said Wednesday he was unable to comment on reports that President Robert Mugabe was undergoing medical treatment in Dubai.

"We are reading it in the newspapers," he said of reports in the South African media of Mugabe's illness.

"As far as I know, he is well, unless it is a minor ailment like flu which might have happened while he was away."

He confirmed, however, that the 85-year-old president was "still out of the country."

Official spokesman George Charamba could not be reached for comment.

Mugabe was absent without explanation Tuesday from the state funeral of a senior official of his ZANU(PF) party.

Mugabe is due to host South African president Jacob Zuma on Thursday at the opening of the Harare Agricultural Show.

Government sources requesting anonymity said Mugabe returned Wednesday last week from an official visit to Namibia, but left almost immediately with a small delegation for Dubai. (dpa)