Mugabe treats himself to $1m bash

ZIMBABWEAN President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 91st birthday at the weekend with a $1 million bash that was slammed by the Opposition as obscene in a country wracked by poverty.

Thousands of supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF, many wearing party regalia embla- zoned with the president’s image, sang and danced as he arrived for the event at a luxury hotel at Victoria Falls.

Assisted by wife Grace, the elderly leader threw 91 balloons into the air.

Elephants were slaughtered for the party feast and seven huge cakes were on display, in- cluding one 91kg creation depicting Victoria Falls.

In a 90-minute speech, Mr Mugabe castigated the US, which has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and him personally. The extravagance of Mr Mugabe’s birthday parties are a subject of annual controversy in Zimbabwe.

Pictures: AFP CONTROVERSIAL: A team of chefs carries one of Robert Mugabe’s cakes for his party, celebrated (inset) with wife Grace and daughter Bona, who wore a photo of her father on her dress.