Zimbabwe army seizes state TV but denies coup ongoing

In a televised address early on Wednesday morning, military spokesperson, Major General SB Moyo, said the army was seeking to "pacify a degenerating, social, and economic situation" in the country.

Moyo denied that the army was carrying out a coup against President Robert Mugabe's government and said the leader and his family were "safe and sound and their safety is guaranteed".

"We are only targeting criminals around him who are committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country, in order to bring them to justice" he said.

The army spokesperson said that once its objectives have been achieved, the situation in the country would return to normal, before urging Zimbabweans to continue with their lives as usual.

Moyo also called on political parties to "discourage" their members from turning to violence.

"To the youth, we call upon you to realise that the future of the country is yours, do not be enticed by the dirty coins of silver, be disciplined and remain committed to the ethos and values of this great nation."

Al Jazeera spoke to a journalist in the capital Harare, who said the situation in the city was "very tense" with troops on patrol in civilian areas.

"The streets are empty and people haven't reported to work in fear of what is happening," said the journalist, who did not want to be named for security reasons.

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