President Mugabe and his family have been under house arrest since the early hours of Wednesday morning after the army seized power. There were celebrations in certain quarters on Thursday after claims that President Mugabe had agreed to step down but the latest statements will put a damper to the jubilation. “While we appreciate the enthusiasm by certain individuals and groups within society, we want to make it clear that they should not purport to be speaking on our behalf,” the army statement said. General Chiwenga said he was intervening to stop the purging of Mr Mnangagwa’s supporters by the ruling party by a faction linked to first lady Grace Mugabe. Before the army takeover, the president’s 52 year-old wife was destined to take over Mr Mnangagwa’s post after President Mugabe fired his long-time lieutenant for ‘deceit and disloyalty.’

Source: Daily Nation November 17, 2017 10:30 UTC