PW's 'mystery condition'
2006-10-13 21:14
Tisha Steyn
George - Former president PW Botha was admitted to a private hospital in George after he "suddenly felt ill" on Friday afternoon.
"Former president Botha was admitted to the George Medi-Clinic for medical evaluation," was the only comment a member of his residential security unit wanted to make from Botha's Die Anker home in Wildernis.
Hospital spokesperson George Schutte said at about 13:00 that Botha was admitted for a standard routine examination.
"If someone of an advanced age feels poorly, then it is a matter of concern and it is acceptable that he is taken to a doctor or to hospital as quickly as possible."
Botha, 90, was taken to the clinic by ambulance.
His second wife Barbara, was by his side in a private room. His daughter Elanza Maritz and her surgeon husband Jan were apparently informed of his condition.
"Mr Botha will be kept overnight in the hospital for observation and will probably be released on Saturday," said Schutte.
"The family do not want to release information about his condition."
- Die Burger