It continues to be apparent that Zimbabwe’s army is staging a coupe’ in order to “return Zimbabwe to genuine democracy,” a statement has said.
The Military has since detained longtime President Robert Mugabe and seized control of state broadcasters hours after Military vehicles rolled into 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.
The army also urged other security forces to “cooperate for the good of our country” and warned that “any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.”
This was after the Zimbabwe Police touted to side with Grace Mugabe clashed with Military over move to “take over.”
Sources claim the Police boss and a number of Minister including Finance Minister have also been detained.
READ: Grace Mugabe, Femme Fetale of modern times
It wasn’t immediately clear where the 93-year-old Mugabe, president since 1987, was on Wednesday morning, but the army said he was and his wife were safe.
Chris Mutsvangwa, head a war veterans group who fought during the infamous Guerilla war against whites , issued a statement, praising Gen. Constantino Chiwenga for carrying out “a bloodless correction of gross abuse of power.”
Mutsvangwa’s group is closely aligned with Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former vice president fired by Mugabe last week.
The West has urged its Citizens in the South African Country to stay indoors for the time being.
“U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe are encouraged to shelter in place until further notice,” according to a statement from the US embassy.
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office urged UK nationals “currently in Harare to remain safely at home or in their accommodation until the situation becomes clearer.”
Do you have a story you want told? Do you know of a sensitive story you would like us to get our hands on? Email your news TIPS to Editor@kahawatungu.com
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
