Zimbabwe military claims progress in takeover talks

Army says many ‘criminals’ accounted for around Mugabe, who remains under house arrest as calls grow for transition plans

The Zimbabwean army says it has made significant progress in “accounting for criminals” around Robert Mugabe and is continuing to discuss “the way forward” with the president as the country enters its third day with him under house arrest.

The statement, broadcast on national television and published by state-run media on Friday morning, appears to have been aimed at quelling growing concerns that the military takeover could swiftly descend into chaos.