Harare – President Robert Mugabe’s stumble in New Delhi this week, his second caught on camera this year, was “a very minor incident”, his spokesperson was quoted as saying on Saturday.

George Charamba told the Herald newspaper: “It’s a very minor incident in a big heroic act and only fault-finders will spend a second on it.

“President Mugabe is well and has accomplished his mission,” Charamba was quoted as saying.

In an incident that the Zimbabwe authorities are keen to downplay, Mugabe, 91, was filmed losing his footing as he walked up a dais at the India-Africa Forum Summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed to steady him, although state media in Zimbabwe insisted this was unnecessary as he remained upright.

In an identical piece published in the Herald and Chronicle newspapers, reporter Cletus Mushanawani said: “President Mugabe appeared to stumble slightly as he walked towards Prime Minister Modi who was welcoming him to the summit and did not require a helping hand as he remained steadfast on his feet.”

The Herald is loyal to Mugabe and his Zanu-PF government.