Military says it has seized power to target “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe, who it said is “safe and sound” in custody with his wife.
The army said it was securing government offices and patrolling the capital’s streets, after a night of unrest which included a military takeover of the state broadcaster.
The action triggered speculation of a coup, but the military’s supporters praised it as a “bloodless correction”.
Zimbabwe’s army has said it has President Robert Mugabe and his wife in custody and is securing government offices and patrolling the capital’s streets following a night of unrest that included a military takeover of the state broadcaster. The night’s action triggered speculation of a coup, but the military’s supporters praised it as a “bloodless correction”.
In a latest development, Zimbabwe’s military have detained Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo after seizing power in an attempt to root out “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe who it said were causing social and economic suffering, a government source said.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe
British citizens in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare, have been told to stay off the streets as the country’s military said it had seized power from President Robert Mugabe.
Speaking on behalf of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr Zuma expressed concern about the situation in Zimbabwe.
He called for calm and restraint, and expressed the hope that developments in Zimbabwe don’t lead to unconstitutional changes of government, which would be contrary to the conditions of both the SADC and African Union.
The SADC will closely monitor the situation, he added, and remains ready to assist to resolve the political impasse in Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma, has urged the government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Force to resolve the situation amicably.
