South Africa's Zuma says Zimbabwe takeover should not lead to unconstitutional govt

South African President Jacob Zuma has denounced any unconstitutional take over of government in Zimbabwe.

Zuma's statement comes after the military seized power in Harare and replaced President Robert Mugabe with his former vice president Comrade E Mnagngawa. Zuma also called for the Zimbabwean government and army to resolve their differences amicably and said the Southern African Development Community, SADC, on whose behalf Zuma was speaking, was ready to help resolve the political impasse currently gripping Zimbabwe.

"Presidency has called for calm and restraint and has expressed hope that developments in Zimbabwe would not lead to unconstitutional changes of government as that would be contrary to both SADC and African Union positions," the presidency said.
"The President has urged the government of the republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defence Force to resolve the political impasse amicably and has urged the Zimbabwean Defence Force to ensure that the maintenance of peace and security in the country is not compromised."

President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace are under heavy guard after soldiers cordoned off the parliament building and the defence headquarters as the security situation deteriorates in the southern African country. The military that earlier took over the national broadcaster ZBC is now in charge. It has also been confirmed that Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo has been arrested.