Zimbabwean court hears of plot to overthrow Mugabe

The Zimbabwe High Court has heard of a plot to overthrow Mugabe

Zimbabwe's High Court today heard allegations of a military coup to overthrow the government of Robert Mugabe, the Zimbabwean president. Zimbabwe's media and internet news sites have been abuzz with reports that authorities in Zimbabwe had foiled a coup by junior military officers.

The State alleges six coup plotters had been recruiting army officers to carry out Project 1940. Charles Warara, the lawyer of the accused, said his clients denied the treason charges.

Court documents obtained by a local newspaper and published today allege that the coup plotters intended to invite a leading Zanu-PF politician to run the country, but party insiders believe the coup allegations could be a smear campaign against leading contenders in the race to succeed Mugabe.

The government has not made any public statements about the alleged coup. But this week, Sydney Sekeramayi, the defence minister, was quoted in a local newspaper confirming that some army officers had been arrested for indiscipline and misconduct.