Five things you may not have known about Mugabe

No doubt, there will be mixed emotions in Zimbabwe at today's news of the loss of its former president, Mugabe

We of course express our condolences to those who mourn but know that for many he was a barrier to a better future.

For some under his rule the people of Zimbabwe suffered greatly as he impoverished their country and sanctioned the use of violence against them.

recall that his resignation in 2017 marked a turning point and we hope that today marks another which allows Zimbabwe to move on from the legacy of its past and become a democratic, prosperous nation that respects the human rights of its citizens.

What you may not know about him.

1) He was an early riser and traditional eater Needing little sleep, Mr Mugabe used to wake between 04:00 and 05:00 every morning to exercise and would, according to a close source, listen to the BBC World Service.

2) He was a big cricket fan

While president, Robert Mugabe was patron of the Zimbabwe Cricket association. His official residence at the time was right next to the Harare Sports Club, allowing him to keep a watchful eye on the wicket during matches.

3. He hated to loose.

As a boy, Robert Mugabe was said to be a "keen and good" tennis player.

But when he lost he would throw his racket onto the ground.

"You would see his head fall and his shoulders drop down and he would leave the court without saying anything to anybody," Brother Kazito Bute told Heidi Holland in her book, Dinner With Mugabe.

4) He preferred Cliff Richard to Bob Marley