The Military in Zimbabwe has taken charge of the country and announced that it is now targeting people it calls criminals around President Robert Mugabe.
On Tuesday Zimbabweans were gripped with fear of a possible coup after military vehicles left the country’s main barracks in Inkomo and headed towards the capital Harare, just a day after military chiefs threatened to step in if current purging within the ruling Zanu PF doesn’t end.
President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe and the leadership of his party, the Zanu PF were warned by the military leadership on Monday to stop sacking senior figures from the party, many of whom are war veterans.
The military said in a broadcast which happened shortly after gun shots and explosions were heard in Harare that what has occurred was not “a military takeover of government” and stated that President Robert Mugabe was safe.
The statement was read out by Maj Gen Sibusiso Moyo shortly after soldiers took over the headquarters of state broadcaster ZBC. Moyo said: “We wish to assure the nation that his excellency the president… and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed.”
“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 added.
Last week President Mugabe sacked his vice president and long-time ally, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mr. Mnangagwa has fled the country and is reported by local media that he could face further charges.
Zimbabwe’s army chief on Monday however demanded an end to the sacking of key figures within the ruling Zanu-PF party.
General Constantino Chiwenga told a news conference in Harare that “The current purging which is clearly targeting members of the party with a liberation background must stop forthwith.”
Robert Mugabe has been leader of Zimbabwe since 1980 after leading his country to gain independence from the British.
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
Thanks for your concerns, there is NO coup happening in Zimbabwe. Please continue with your lives and face up to your own problems.
— ZANU PF (@zanu_pf) November 14, 2017
Source: Africafeeds.com
