Mandela in hospital for 'routine hernia operation' - report

Nelson Mandela has been admitted into hospital for what's described as a "routine operation".

It is thought the 93-year-old former South African president is being treated for a long-standing hernia.

President Jacob Zuma issued a brief statement in which he asked that the 93-year-old’s privacy be respected. He did not say at which hospital Mr Mandela was being treated.

Mac Maharaj, Mr Zuma’s spokesman, said he could not elaborate but that he would be issuing regular updates.

Mr Mandela became South Africa’s first black president in 1994 after spending 27 years in prison for his fight against racist apartheid rule, and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

His public appearances have become increasingly rare, and he was admitted to hospital for a few days last year with an acute respiratory infection.