Media at Mandela house told to stay in corner

The growing media contingent outside former president Nelson Mandela's Johannesburg home was instructed to keep well away from the house's entry points on Monday.

"The media must stay 50m away from entrances, you have been confined to that corner," said an official, who did not give his name, while pointing to an area opposite the house.

Mandela's Houghton home was a national key point and was under constant surveillance, the official said, while manning the house's smaller gate.

Entry to the house and parking within nine meters of its vicinity was restricted to vehicles and people with official clearance.

Johannesburg metro police officers patrolled the streets, ensuring the media and their equipment did not obstruct traffic.

On Sunday the presidency said Mandela had been discharged from hospital.

A large media contingent gathered outside to watch his return, and police were present.

Presidency spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Mandela's condition remained critical and "at times unstable".

His home had been reconfigured to ensure he received the correct care. Some staff who had been at the hospital would care for him at home.

Mandela was admitted to the Medi-Clinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on 8 June this year with a recurring lung infection.