Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, is in "serious but stable condition" after contracting a lung infection, South Africa officials said.
The 94-year-old Nobel Peace prize winner's "condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital," early Saturday morning according to statement from the office of South African President Jacob Zuma.
Walter Dhladhla/AFP/Getty Images
African National Congress (ANC) President... View Full Size
Nelson Mandela Rests at Home after Hospital Stint Watch Video
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Nelson Mandela Discharged From Hospital Watch Video
"The former President is receiving expert medical care and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better and comfortable," the statement said. "President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of government and the nation, wishes Madiba a speedy recovery and requests the media and the public to respect the privacy of Madiba and his family."
PHOTOS: Nelson Mandela Through the Years
In April, Mandela spent 18 days in the hospital due to a lung infection and was treated for gall stones in December 2012.
Mandela served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
In 1993, he received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending apartheid through non-violent means.
ABC News' Gillian Mohney contributed to this report.
The 94-year-old Nobel Peace prize winner's "condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a Pretoria hospital," early Saturday morning according to statement from the office of South African President Jacob Zuma.
Walter Dhladhla/AFP/Getty Images
African National Congress (ANC) President... View Full Size
Nelson Mandela Rests at Home after Hospital Stint Watch Video
Nelson Mandela Released From Hospital Watch Video
Nelson Mandela Discharged From Hospital Watch Video
"The former President is receiving expert medical care and doctors are doing everything possible to make him better and comfortable," the statement said. "President Jacob Zuma, on behalf of government and the nation, wishes Madiba a speedy recovery and requests the media and the public to respect the privacy of Madiba and his family."
PHOTOS: Nelson Mandela Through the Years
In April, Mandela spent 18 days in the hospital due to a lung infection and was treated for gall stones in December 2012.
Mandela served as the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
In 1993, he received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending apartheid through non-violent means.
ABC News' Gillian Mohney contributed to this report.