Rest In Peace: Malawi President Dies After Heart Attack

Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has died after a heart attack, doctors who treated him said, as the troubled and impoverished southern African nation awaited official word of his death and who would succeed him.

The doctors, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to reporters, said the 78-year-old died Thursday, and his body was then flown to South Africa, apparently to buy time for politicians who may be squabbling over the succession.

Malawi's government has so far issued only a brief statement on state radio and television, saying Mutharika was taken ill and was flown to South Africa for further treatment.

A Cabinet minister, speaking on condition of anonymity because the matter is sensitive, said announcing the death required taking political steps. He did not elaborate, but questions over succession are likely complicating matters.