Mugabe still under house arrest

The military has placed President Robert Mugabe under house arrest following their seizure of power in the early hours of yesterday morning, suggesting the country could be on the verge of a transition whose structure remains unclear.

That Mugabe, who has ruled the country since independence in 1980, has been confined to his residence in the leafy Borrowdale area, is indicative of the army's desire to use his curtailed freedom to negotiate a deal favourable to its members.

South African President and chairman of SADC issued a statement yesterday saying Mugabe has been placed under house arrest.