Chinese, Arab, and South African interior decorators are putting the finishing touches to Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's mansion - turning it into a fortress that can house a small army. Construction on the US$12 million mansion on a 17-hectare spread in Harare has been under way for three years and it is now almost ready for occupation, according to a report issued by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. Defences around what will be Mr Mugabe's retirement home include sensors to warn of a poison or germ attack and radiation detectors. Sniffer dogs regularly patrol the boundary. At least 50 full-time riot police will be stationed in luxury barracks on the grounds and will be supported by the feared secret police, the Central Intelligence Office. The skies above the palace already have their own helicopter and aircraft patrol, and some of the jet fighters recently bought from China will be placed on exclusive duty for guarding the air space. The mansion is located in the Borrowdale suburb, where most of Zimbabwe's wealthy elite live. It is said to be lavishly furnished with items his wife Grace has collected over the years on her legendary shopping trips to East Asia, and, before the British banned her, Harrods in London. Mr Mugabe has insisted that no tax money has been used to build the home and state media claims gifts from countries like China, Serbia and Malaysia have made its construction possible. According to Zimbabwean media, the house has 25 rooms, an apartment for each of Mr Mugabe's three children, swimming pools, jacuzzis, and servants' quarters. Mr Mugabe is expected to hand over power to an as-yet-unnamed successor within a few years.
