Zimbabwe crisis: Army takes over - Mugabe 'detained'

15:07, 15.11.2017

The military has seized control in Zimbabwe and has said President Robert Mugabe, in power since 1980, is safe.

After seizing state TV, an army spokesman announced it was targeting people close to Mr Mugabe who had caused “social and economic suffering”. Messages attributed to a ruling party Twitter account described the takeover as a “bloodless transition”.

The move came after Mr Mugabe sacked his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa, in favour of his wife, BBC reports. 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.

Heavy gun and artillery fire could be heard in northern parts of the capital Harare early on Wednesday.

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Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe