By After the deployment of armed soldiers and tanks in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe army has earlier on Wednesday stated that the President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe and his family are under military custody for security, some reports explain it as house arrest.
Reports of the army having taken over Harare went viral as four military tanks were seen entering the city with two more remaining packed just a few miles outside the capital.
Though there are speculations of the current situation in Zimbabwe to be a coup to overthrow the 93 year old Mugabe, the army spokesman informed that the process is only carried out targeting criminals that are against President Mugabe.
Speaking at a national broadcaster that the army took over later after conquering Harare, Maj Gen Sibusiso Moyo stated that what is happening in Zimbabwe is not a military takeover, but a criminal search.
‘We wish to make it abundantly clear that this is not a military takeover,’ the army statement said. He added, ‘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.’
Gen Sibusiso further informed that the situation would go back to normal after the army has accomplished its mission, but urged all security forces to cooperate for the betterment of Zimbabwe adding that any provocation would be met with appropriate measures.
‘As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normalcy.’
Earlier reports said several loud explosions and gun fires were heard in central Harare and gunfire was also heard near Mugabe’s private residence early Wednesday.
Following the uncertainty in the country, the US and British embassy in Zimbabwe have called out to their citizens to keep in doors until further notice.
‘U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe are encouraged to shelter in place until further notice,’ the statement from the US embassy read.
On the other hand, veterans that just recently announced to have officially disowned Mugabe completely, praised the army’s doing and reported that the General doing would help build a better Zimbabwe.
According to the recent reports in regards to the situation, Emmerson Mnangagwa, the former Vice President landed at Manyame Airforce Base early on Wednesday to take over power, as he promised.
The ruling ZANU-PF party following his arrival, announced Mnangagwa as the interim President and in a statement, the party informed that Zimbabwe would be a better country under Mnangagwa.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu