Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe's army has taken control over the country. The military took over Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) state broadcaster in the early hours of Wednesday, 15 November 2017.
Army general, Maj Gen Sibusiso Moyo has denied it was a coup and said Mugabe was safe, but did not say where the president was. In an address to the nation, the general further said that they were targeting "criminals" close to Mugabe who had caused "social and economic suffering" and sought to reassure the country that order will be restored.
Moyo called on churches to pray for the nation. He urged other security forces to "co-operate for the good of our country," warning that "any provocation will be met with an appropriate response."
There have been speculations that the president and his family are under house arrest. The ruling party has on their Twitter page issued out a statement that the president is "detained in bloodless transition and is safe."
Heavy gun and artillery fire could be heard in northern parts of Harare.
Unconfirmed reports have surfaced that some ministers, namely Finance minister Ignatius Chombo (Zanu PF's secretary for administration), national commissar Saviour Kasukuwere and Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo were arrested in raids at their homes.
General Chiwenga had threatened on Monday to "step in" to calm political tensions after Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had been favourite to succeed the president, was fired.
The US Embassy closed to the public on Wednesday and encouraged citizens to shelter in place, citing "the ongoing political uncertainty through the night".
The British Embassy issued a similar warning, citing "reports of unusual military activity".
Here is a video of the army general addressing the nation on Wednesday morning:
I am receiving unconfirmed reports of arrests of cabinet ministers and prominent people in Zimbabwe. I will share when names are confirmed. Remember the army said they are “targeting thieves around” President Mugabe #Zimbabwe
— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) November 15, 2017
Last night the first family was detained and are safe, both for the constitution and the sanity of the nation this was necessary. Neither Zimbabwe nor ZANU are owned by Mugabe and his wife. Today begins a fresh new era and comrade Mnangagwa will help us achieve a better Zimbabwe.
— ZANU PF (@zanu_pf) November 15, 2017
[BREAKING NEWS] Unconfirmed reports that President of #Zimbabwe , Robert Mugabe and his family are under house arrest in #Harare. Finance minister, Ignatius Chombo detained by military #AMLive #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/C25xdC7W2E
— #AMLive 104-107fm (@amliveonsafm) November 15, 2017
Army has taken over in #Zimbabwe, in a word, a coup. But let's not be fooled, this isn't a revolution... just a falling out among thieves.
— Fortune Sibanda (@fortune_sibanda) November 15, 2017
BREAKING NEWS
Dismissed former Zimbabwean Vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa 'the crocodile' has just landed at Manyame Airforce Base to take control of government. Mugabe, Grace, Zhuwawo, Jonso and Kasukuwere now under house arrest. @zanu_pf #Zimbabwe— Cay-Low SA (@caylow_SA) November 15, 2017
Most the guys in the military in Zim are highly educated. Some of them have PHDs. They think before they do anything. #Zimbabwe @eNCA
— Tman Mjaji (@TmanMjaji) November 15, 2017
Breaking News!!! It’s Official the Army is in charge in #Zimbabwe - Mugabe and Family are safe! Citizens must Minimize Movements
— African (@ali_naka) November 15, 2017
All zimbabweans around the world deserve a day off today ah!! Running on zero sleep, anxiety, stress , hope, confusion...... #Zimbabwe
— TD (@Title_Deeds) November 15, 2017
BREAKING: Mugabe has negotiated for Grace to leave the country to stay in South Africa while he prepares to step down. Press conference tomorrow afternoon. Solidiers have the president and his presidential guard under siege. #Zimbabwe #Zimbabwecoup
— NandiCakes (@nandi_cakes) November 15, 2017
#Zimbabwe I am in Harare at the moment. 2 big explosions heard. Some gunshots and lots of military vehicles can be heard driving around. We do not know what is happening for sure. It is tense.
— Loïs Roumestan (@lois_roumestan) November 14, 2017
LIVE: #Zimbabwe finance minister arrested pic.twitter.com/MadjwWDbQc
— News24 (@News24) November 15, 2017
BREAKING - #Zimbabwe soldiers take over state broadcaster ZBC, staff tell @Reuters. It's looking more and more as though Mugabe may be gone
— Ed Cropley (@edwardcropley) November 14, 2017
BREAKING; #Zimbabwe army General SB Moyo addresses the nation on state broadcaster ZBC this morning; ‘This is not a military takeover over of government. Zimbabwe Defence Forces is pacifying a degenerating political, social & economic situation in our country’
— Thulasizwe Simelane (@ThulasSims) November 15, 2017
By Fundisiwe Maseko
Follow Fundisiwe Maseko on Twitter
Follow IT News Africa on Twitter