The move comes after the Zimbabwe army seized power overnight with gunshots and explosions heard in the capital.
Former Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa will now take power according to the ruling ZANU PDF Party.
The party also issued a series of tweets this morning, saying there was not military coup – just a “bloodless transition”.
The statements read: ” Last night the first family was detained and are safe, both for the constitution and the sanity of the nation this was necessary. Neither Zimbabwe nor ZANU are owned by Mugabe and his wife.
“Today begins a fresh new era and comrade Mnangagwa will help us achieve a better Zimbabwe.
“There was no coup, only a bloodless transition which saw corrupt and crooked persons being arrested and an elderly man who had been taken advantage of by his wife being detained.
“The few bangs that were heard were from crooks who were resisting arrest, but they are now detained.
“ZANU PF has a way of solving our own problems, the situation is stable and Zimbabwe is open for business. There was no coup, but a bloodless peaceful transition- the centre is strong and there is peace with honest leadership.”
Gunfire and explosions broke out in Harare, Zimbabwe following a warning by a military chief that the armed forces are ready to ”step in” to the political row, witnesses have reported.
After storming a state television station soldiers made a statement claiming they have intervened to target criminals around Mugabe.
Zimbabwe’s military chief said the army wanted to deal with people who “were committing crimes that are causing social and economic suffering in the country”.
He added: ”As soon as we have accomplished our mission, we expect that the situation will return to normal.”
A number of local residents have reported hearing at least 10 rounds of shots and three explosions in the capital.
The military broadcast instructed all members of the defence forces to regroup as “all leave is cancelled”, they added: “We call upon all the war veterans to play a positive role in ensuring peace, stability and unity in the country.
“To members of the Zimbabwe defence forces, all leave is cancelled and you are all to return to your barracks with immediate effect.
“To the other security forces we urge you to cooperate for the good of our country.
“Let it be clear we intend to address the human security threats in our country. Therefore any provocation will be met with an appropriate response.”
More to follow…