Army seizes Zimbabwe state broadcaster, anti-Mugabe coup talk intensifies

Soldiers are reported to have taken over the headquarters of Zimbabwe's national broadcaster ZBC, amid a growing political crisis.

Heavy gunfire and artillery have also been heard in northern suburbs, although the situation is unclear, BBC reported on Wednesday.

There has been no word so far from 93-year-old President Robert Mugabe.

Zimbabwe's ambassador in South Africa, Isaac Moyo, dismissed any talk of a coup and said the government was "intact".

The worsening situation came after Zimbabwe's ruling party accused the country's army chief of " treasonable conduct" after he warned of possible military intervention.

General Constantino Chiwenga had challenged President Mugabe after he sacked the vice-president.

Gen. Chiwenga said the army was prepared to act to end purges within Mr Mugabe's Zanu-PF party.

Tensions were raised further on Tuesday when armoured vehicles were seen taking up positions on roads outside Harare, although their purpose was unclear.

Some staff at ZBC were manhandled when soldiers took over their offices in Harare late on Tuesday evening, according to informed sources.

Workers were told that they "should not worry", a source added, and that soldiers were only there to protect the site.
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