Military Coup? Army Takes Over Zimbabwe

…Denies Military Coup

 

There have been tension in Zimbabwe following an alleged military coup over President Robert Mugabe’s government after the Zimbabwean Army took over the national TV broadcaster, ZBC, claiming it has taken action to “target criminals”.

Heavy gunfire and military artillery were are blocking off several routes into the city, with four tanks parked around 14 miles away on the main road from Harare to Chinhoyi on Wednesday.

“There were about four tanks and they turned right here, you can see markings on the road,” a source confirmed.

Zimbabwe’s Army Chief, Gen. Constantino Chiwenga has accused Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years, of purging his vice president in his own interests.

However, Zimbabwe’s envoy to South Africa, Isaac Moyo, denied the reports claiming “it was not a military takeover of government” and President Robert Mugabe was safe.

The statement read out by Maj Gen Sibusiso Moyo came hours after soldiers overran the headquarters of ZBC. He said: “We wish to assure the nation that his excellency the president… and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.”

The statement added: “We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes… that are causing social and economic suffering in the country. As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy.”

The statement did not name those targeted but a government source quoted by Reuters said Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo was among those detained.

It is not clear who is leading the military action.