What we know about the situation in Zimbabwe

* This is a developing story, we will update this article as new information becomes available

Updated at 5pm

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) chairperson, President Jacob Zuma has called for a meeting to discuss the unfolding events in Zimbabwe. The meeting is expected to be held in Gaborone, Botswana this afternoon. Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane and the Angolan defence minister have been assigned to co-chair this meeting.

Government and military officials are reportedly locked in negotiations. The country’s president, Robert Mugabe, has been given an opportunity to negotiate an exit that included state protection for him and his family. 

Multiple reports say some senior Zanu-PF members are under military custody, while other reports suggest that these Zanu-PF members’ whereabouts are unknown but suspect they have fled the country. 

Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union commission, urged “all stakeholders to address the current situation in accordance with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the relevant instruments of the African Union, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.”

Updated on November 15

Zimbabwe's former vice president of Emmerson Mnangagwa was fired last week and accused by the ruling Zanu-PF of being disloyal.

Mnangagwa was named the country's first minister of national security after Zimbabwe gained independence.

On Monday, Chief General Constantino Chiwenga called for President Robert Mugabe to stop the purge of the Zanu-PF after Mnangagwa was abruptly sacked.

On Tuesday, military vehicles and tanks were seen in the streets of Harare prompting many to believe a coup was in motion. 

Multiple explosions were heard near the president’s residence.

Military spokesperson Major General Sibusiso Moyo addressed the country early on Wednesday morning from the state broadcaster Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. 

“We wish to make this abundantly clear: this is not a military takeover of government,” he said. 

The Mugabe family have been confined to their home. News24 reported that Mugabe is under heavy guard after soldiers cordoned off the parliamentary building.

“Comrade R G Mugabe and his family are safe and sound and their security is guaranteed. We are only targeting criminals around him,” Moyo said.

Zimbabwe war veterans’ leader, Chris Mutsvangwa, praised the army action as "bloodless correction" and said the military would restore democracy, The Associated Press reported. 

Two arrests were made by the military. Deputy Director Central Intelligence Organisation Albert Ngulube and President of Zanu-PF National Youth Kudzai Chipanga were reportedly arrested in Harare.

The military and many foreign embassies have asked people in Zimbabwe to remain indoors.

However, reports from people on the ground suggest most people headed to work. 

Zimbabwean universities advised students to stay at home this morning. News24 reported that the University of Zimbabwe communicated to students that exams scheduled for today are deferred until further notice.

Two journalists covering the events in Harare have reportedly been hospitalised after they were allegedly assaulted by the military.

On behalf of the Southern African Development Community, President Jacob Zuma, who is the current chairperson, called for Zimbabwe to resolve the “political impasse amicably”.