The military in Zimbabwe has announced that it has seized power to target what it termed “criminals” around President Robert Mugabe, who it said is “safe and sound” in custody with his wife.

Report has it that Robert Mugabe is currently under house arrest as military seize Harare.

The army said it was securing government offices and patrolling the capital’s streets, after a night of unrest which included a military takeover of the state broadcaster.

The military has however praised the action as a “bloodless correction”.

Grace Mugabe, the wife of Zimbabwe’s president has reportedly left the country for neighbouring Namibia.