By Adenike Lucas

The Zimbabwean military has seized control of the government and put the President under house arrest.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa confirmed that President Mugabe was presently “confined in his home.”

Reporters claim that President Robert Mugabe’s wife has fled to neighbouring South African country, Namibia.

Major General S.B Moyo stated in a broadcast that the action taken by the Army was not a “military take over of government.”  He said it was an attempt to pacify the degenerating political, social and economic situation in the country.

Many believe it might be an attempt to replace President Mugabe with his deputy, Emmerson Mnangagwa who was sacked by the 93-year-old head of state.

President Mugabe, 93 has ruled since Zimbabwe gained independence from the UK in 1980.

World leaders including, President Muhammadu Buhari are calling for “calm, peace and respect for the constitution in Zimbabwe.”

President Buhari, who is on a tour of the South East of Nigeria is urging “all political and military stakeholders in Zimbabwe to avoid any action that may plunge the country into unnecessary conflict and impact negatively on the region.

“every attempt must be made to resolve all contentious issues by constitutional means in Zimbabwe to save the country from avoidable political instability.”