Former Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe has reportedly fired six security details provided by the state, as he suspected that they were spying on him on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government.

According to the privately owned Standard Newspaper, insiders said that Mugabe took the decision last week after his return from his regular medical check-up trip in Singapore.

Mugabe was reportedly "rushed" out of the country after his health "suddenly deteriorated" in June 2018.

The government reportedly withdrew three of his security details without his knowledge during his absence.

This was said to have infuriated the former ruler, resulting in his instructing the remaining six bodyguards not to report for duty.

The veteran politician was now said to be looking at hiring his own security details.

Mugabe was said to have also complained that his aides were regularly being questioned by government regarding the people who were visiting his home.