Zimbabwe army ‘secures’ Mugabe, seizes power in apparent coup
Zimbabwe’s military said on Wednesday it detained longtime President Robert Mugabe and seized control of state broadcasters in an apparent coup in the southern African nation.
Military vehicles rolled into the streets of the capital, Harare, late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.
“We are only targeting criminals around [Mugabe] who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country in order to bring them to justice,” the army announced on state-run media.
Political tensions have been rising since 93-year-old President Mugabe recently sacked Emmerson Mnangagwa, a long-time ally, as vice-president.
A statement read out by a general on air denied it was a coup and said Mr Mugabe was safe, but did not say where.
International media report says heavy gun and artillery fire could be heard in northern parts of the capital Harare early on Wednesday.
Malawian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ms Annie Kumwenda, urged the large Malawians community living in Zimbabwe to stay indoors for the time being until the situation becomes clearer.
Other key points of the military statement included:
- Citizens should remain calm and limit unnecessary movement
- The military assures the Zimbabwean judiciary that its independence is guaranteed
- Security services should “co-operate for the good of our country” and any provocation would “be met with an appropriate response”
- All leave for the defence forces is cancelled and personnel should return to barracks immediately
Not all that gliters is gold.Mugabe thought all men in uniform could rally behind him more especially those whom he fought together for their independence..
I wonder if Zim Air flies directly to hell?
It’s great for the tyrant to go. But this is like replacing Satan with the Devil.
I hope you are wrong on this one. Let’s hope and pray for a better life for our neighbors.
God help our brothers and sisters in Zim. For we know anything happening there will have a bearing on Malawi.
They always say..if you have had your orgasm leave!!!
Next country to face this COUP is …………………………………….?
There is no military solution to the Zimbabwe problem
That is what happens when you want to cling to power till you die. From a hero you become a zero. The Mugabes have brought much suffering to Zimbabweans. All the good things he did in the liberation struggle will now erased because of his greed. Why dont African leaders borrow a leaf from the great Madiba? At 93, somebody still clinging to power? No! Bravo to the Zimbabwean military. I had always ridiculed Zimbabweans for the situation they have been in because they failed to uproot Mugabe. Nde inu azitsogoleri adyera aku Malawi, get an example from this, one day tidzakwiya
I think our military should do the same thing to Peter Mutharika and his DPP cronies!!
ZAYAMBAPO
Big up save the masses from few hypocrites
EEEEEEEE Kwavuta zakanaka sitereki!!!!!!
Good development. Where politicians play with people let the Army intervene.
Its sad..Allah should come in very fast
Exactly what T.B Joshua said earlier…when God Speaks the wise listen
TB Joshua also said Hillary would win the USA elections
We need General like this.
Inde! Osati ma general akumalawi atulo ta ngati ta atsogoleri a MCP! Zoona general kumalolera kunamizilidwa mpakana kumangidwa za cashgate by cashgating politicians themselves!
The said general is still innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
I hope this will end peacefully and not lead to another civil war in Africa. Let’s face it, people of Africa are tired of civil wars on the continent, and our forces (armies of African nations) already have more than enough to deal with without having to deploy in Zimbabwe. God help Zimbabwe.