Nelson Mandela Death: Find Out How The Late South African President Spent His Last 24 Hours

The revered South African statesman Nelson Mandela has died. Mandela's family and friends were gathering at his house last night, just days after his eldest daughter said the revered former South African Statesman was "on his deathbed." Two of Mandela's granddaughters were among those seen entering the house in the Johannesburg suburb of Houghton along with a close family friend, Bantu Holomisa, as well as military personnel responsible for the former president's health. Before the unfortunate news there had been rumors that the former South African Presidents health had taken another turn for the worse.

One family friend said he had been told Mr Mandela's condition had "deteriorated quite a bit", but could not give further details. "Things are quite gloomy," he added. President Jacob Zuma's spokesman said he was seeking an update from Mandela's doctors "because of the rumors" journalist were coming up with about his health. The Telegraph reports this development came when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the London premiere of the Mandela biopic "Long Walk to Freedom." Where she stated to Journalist that her father was "fine" but "frail."

Earlier this week, Mandela's eldest daughter Makaziwe described him as fighting from his "deathbed," but still being "very strong" and "very courageous." Makaziwe also added, "Even when there are moments when you can see he's struggling, but the fighting spirit is still there with him," she told the South African Broadcasting Corporation. Mandela had been receiving round-the-clock intensive care from 22 military and other doctors since September when he was discharged form a three-month hospital stay for a respiratory infection.

In his final hours, Nelson Mandela -- the revered statesman who emerged from prison after 27 years to lead South Africa out of decades of apartheid -- was with family, friends and loved ones.

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