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.

Malawi President Mutahrika meeting Zimbabwe’s leader Mugabe in New York in October -Photo by Macneil Kalowekamo
Robert Mugabe addressing party members earlier this month in support of Grace Mugabe becoming the party’s next vice-president. Photograph: Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images
Zimbabwe Army chief Gen Constantino Chiwenga had said the army was prepared to act to end purges within the ruling Zanu-PF party

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

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patrick
patrick
6 years ago

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..

Ouch!
Ouch!
6 years ago

I wonder if Zim Air flies directly to hell?

Jesus is Lord
Jesus is Lord
6 years ago

It’s great for the tyrant to go. But this is like replacing Satan with the Devil.

Ouch!
Ouch!
6 years ago
Reply to  Jesus is Lord

I hope you are wrong on this one. Let’s hope and pray for a better life for our neighbors.

mulopwana
6 years ago

God help our brothers and sisters in Zim. For we know anything happening there will have a bearing on Malawi.

Replaceable
Replaceable
6 years ago

They always say..if you have had your orgasm leave!!!

Gift Tsoka
Gift Tsoka
6 years ago

Next country to face this COUP is …………………………………….?

Kachinda Nyini
Kachinda Nyini
6 years ago

There is no military solution to the Zimbabwe problem

Machiavelli
Machiavelli
6 years ago

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… Read more »

Joyce Banda
Joyce Banda
6 years ago

I think our military should do the same thing to Peter Mutharika and his DPP cronies!!

GETRUDE
GETRUDE
6 years ago

ZAYAMBAPO

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