An ambulance carrying Nelson Mandela to a hospital two weeks ago developed engine trouble, delaying the 94-year-from reaching hospital for 40 minutes, it emerged yesterday.

The South African government confirmed the ambulance had developed engine trouble and that Mr Mandela had to be transferred to another ambulance for the remainder of his journey to the hospital.

Care was taken to ensure the condition of the former President was not affected, it said in a statement from the office of President Jacob Zuma.

The government said doctors are satisfied that the Nobel Peace Prize laureate suffered “no harm” at the time.

The anti-apartheid leader remains in serious but stable condition in hospital.

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