The President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is safely secured in his home along with his family. A number of high-level political figures have been arrested or are on the run. Johnathan Moyo tried to seek assistance from the USA embassy but was arrested and has been detained by the Zimbabwean army.
Could this be a Guardian Coup?
From multiple sources I can confirm that it appears Ignatius Chombo has been arrested.
— Trevor Ncube (@TrevorNcube) November 15, 2017
Still unconfirmed but sources say Prof Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukuwere are under arrest or on the run. #Zimbabwe
General Constantino Chiwenga issued a warning to Cabinet earlier this week, insisting that those without "liberation war credentials" should tread carefully.
This was seen as a clear warning to the faction aligning themselves with Grace Mugabe to succeed Robert Mugabe. The reaction from the ZANU PF Youth League was inflammatory and threats against the General and recently fired Vice President Mnangagwa were issued by Kudzai Chipanga, the youth league leader.
This morning the ZBC broadcast a speech by the Military indicating that the President is safe but that the army has had to intervene in order to ensure stability and urged residents with essential business to go to work as usual.
Zimbabwe has just experienced its first coup. This type is called a guardian coup but whatever name it's a coup. pic.twitter.com/HdwRInxeci
— Chipo Dendere, PhD (@drDendere) November 15, 2017
EWN South Africa reports this morning that the military is downplaying the current development.
There has been increasing discomfit in Zimbabwe at the rising power of Grace Mugabe and the firing of Emerson Mnangagwa paved the way for her to succeed Robert Mugabe. The military has expressed concern over government spending and Grace Mugabe's behaviour over the last two years and has now effectively placed the first family under house arrest.
Shots fired and several small explosions
In response to questions about shots being fired and several reports of explosions late last night, General Chiwenga insisted that the activity was only related to the removal of "criminal elements surrounding Mugabe."
Robert Mugabe is 93 years old. The country is in a state of financial crises as the US$ was removed as the official currency and the government printed and issued bond notes, supposedly of equivalent value to the US$.
With local agriculture and businesses severely hampered by government policy, the nation relies on imports for basic foods. The bond note rapidly devalued placing basic foodstuffs beyond the capacity of most Zimbabweans.
Police were forced to control the crowd bussed in to attend Robert Mugabe's birthday celebrations near Bulawayo earlier this year after Mr Mugabe opened and ate a packet of imported crisps. With food items banned from importation to save US$'s, the sight of the President eating imported luxury items such as crips angered the crowd. Mugabe's act could be likened to the infamous "let them eat cake" comment of Marie Antoinette's.
Grace Mugabe recently bought herself two Rolls Royces and a limousine. Zimbabwe's poor have nothing.
