Mugabe, 90, stumbled as he left a podium after speaking to supporters at an airport, witnesses told the news agency.

‘Some press photographers who captured the fall said they were forced to delete their pictures by security personnel,’ added the Associated Press report.

Aides swiftly escorted Mugabe to a waiting limousine.

Mugabe had just returned from a trip to Ethiopia.

Witnesses told the agency that they wished to remain anonymous.

Mugabe’s spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Meanwhile, Associated Press has released footage of Mugabe’s stumble.