Dhewa Mavhinga warns of a coup in Zimbabwe

A rights organisation has issued a warning that a coup remains imminent in Zimbabwe if the current "serious economic situation" in the southern African country persists.

According to the eNCA, Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition chairperson Dewa Mavinga warned there could be a military upset in the country if the cash-strapped government failed to pay the army.

Mavinga compared the situation in Zimbabwe with that in Lesotho where an attempted coup forced Prime Minister Tom Thabane to flee to South Africa.

Mavinga said SADC should prepared for a potential catastrophe.

SAPA quoted Mavinga as saying: "We demand guarantees of orderly and constitutional succession in Zimbabwe and decisive action on the land question, starting with a comprehensive land audit, which is long overdue."

The Zimbabwe Mail quoted political analyst, Philani Zamchiya, as saying President Robert Mugabe's continued grip on power could generate discontent and chaos.

Zamchiya criticised the entrance of Mugabe's wife Grace into power, saying it was an indication the 90-year-old veteran leader was reluctant to pass on power to outsiders.  

Zimbabwe faces a severe liquidity crunch, high unemployment and minimal economic activity, according to reports.