Zimbabwean army on state television: 'no coup'

harare - Soldiers took over the Zimbabwe state state television ZBC on Wednesday on Wednesday. An army spokesman stated on the state radio that the military action was 'aimed only at criminals' which would cause social and economic suffering in the country. Witnesses reported Wednesday that road vehicles drove roads to government offices in Harare's capital.

Minister of Finance Ignatius Chombo was arrested according to a government source. Chombo belongs to the political group around Mugabe's wife, Grace Mugabe. According to the military, it is not a power takeover and 93-year-old President Mugabe and his family would be safe. 'We expect the situation to be normal once we have completed our mission,' said the military on television.

On Tuesday, the army already put army trucks in strategic places in Harare. Soldiers spread through the city and eyewitnesses reported that there were explosions. Due to political unrest, the US and British embassy in Harare have advised their staff and citizens to stay in touch. The US Embassy will be closed to public on Wednesday.

Mugabe's party accused General Constantino Chiwenga on Tuesday night of landslide and the Zimbabwean ambassador in neighboring South Africa spoke rumors about a possible coup. 'It does not really happen,' said Ambassador Isaac Moyo. 'These are only messages on social media. '

The reason for the unrest is the resignation of the armed popular vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75, who was previously seen as one of the favorites to follow the 93-year-old Mugabe. By his departure, presidential wife Grace Mugabe seems to have the best cards to become president in due course.