Impeachment proceedings against Mugabe likely if he does not quit

Ousted Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is being pressed to resign by his Zanu-PF party and former vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, failing which there is a possibility of impeachment proceedings being initiated against the former.

Media reports here mentioned Zimbabwe's former vice-president, whose sacking led to last week's army coup, as urging Mugabe to resign immediately.

Mnangagwa also said he would return home only after his security was completely assured, as two weeks ago, he had learnt that he may be eliminated.

The ruling Zanu-PF party is expected to begin impeachment proceedings in parliament later on Tuesday on grounds that Mugabe was allowing his 52-year-old wife Grace Mugabe to "usurp constitutional power".

Speaking from an undisclosed location on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said Mugabe, 93, should heed the "clarion call" of his people and step down.

He said that he had informed Mugabe that he would not return home until he was satisfied about his personal security.

Mnangagwa's dismissal earlier this month was seen by many as clearing the way for Grace Mugabe's succession as the president of the nation. That move displeased top army officials, who stepped in and put Mugabe under house arrest.

Mnangagwa is currently in South Africa.