Those sought had been “committing crimes that were causing social and economic suffering in Zimbabwe”. ‘Not a coup’ The president appeared at the university without his wife, Grace Mugabe, whose whereabouts are still unknown. Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa, reporting from Harare, said Mugabe’s attendence was the army’s way of saying “this is not a coup”. “They army says the aim of the military intervention was the arrest of criminal elements around Mugabe. It also suggests that if they have anyone in place to take over, it will probably take some time. This will not happen immediately, possible not before the ruling party’s conference in December,” Mutasa reported. “Mugabe is a master tactician, known for his intelligence. He’s been around for this long because he knowns how to play the game and he still has support from within the ruling Zanu-PF party. Those who do still support him have much admiration for him – they see him as an African icon,” she added. “When he does go, on whatever terms that is, it will likely be a graceful exit. His supporters would want him to go with dignity and it will be carefully managed.” The military seeks to reinstate former Vice President Emerson Mnangagwa as first vice president and then as leader of a transitional administration. However, it is believed that Mugabe is still resistant to demands to resign, but increasing internal calls from war veterans and the army could see Mugabe bringing Mnangagwa back into the fold and a possible end to the temporary takeover. The army continued to patrol the streets of Harare, which was mostly calm on Friday, as local newspapers declared the Mugabe era over. “Dawn of a new era,” one said. “Mugabe remembered for brutal 37-year rule,” said another. Chris Mutsvangwa, the leader of Zimbabwe’s influential war veterans, said on Friday that Mugabe would not be allowed remain in power. Mutsvangwa added that the veterans saluted Zimbabwe’s military for seizing power earlier in the week. To Receive SKYTREND NEWS Alerts On WhatsApp, Add 0802 739 7554; For Adverts Enquiries, Whatsapp 0802 739 7554, Send Articles & News Stories To editor@skytrendnews.com. Al Jazeera READ ALSO! First Bank’s Appalling Customer Service And Utter Disregard For Its Customers READ ALSO! Between GoDaddy And Namecheap: Making The Best Choice For Domain Name Registrar READ ALSO! Google Developing New Tools To Enhance Article Search For News Publishers On Subscription READ ALSO! The Hurdles Nigerian Youths Must Cross By 2019, By Dele Momodu READ ALSO! The Internet’s Future Lies With Its Next Billion Users — Sundar Pichai, Google CEO READ ALSO! Nigerian Filmmaker, Zuriel Oduwole Makes Forbes List Of 100 Most Influential African Women READ ALSO! Woman Marries Her Son After Getting Pregnant For Him READ ALSO! Smartphone Sales Fall As Samsung, Apple Consolidate Market Share READ ALSO! The Smart CEO: Top 5 Websites To Get Cheap Domain Name Registration ]]>