South African president Jacob Zuma has expressed hope that developments in Zimbabwe would not lead to unconstitutional changes of Government as that would be contrary to both SADC and African Union positions.

This is according to a statement released by The Presidency this morning after ZBC, Zimbabwe's state broadcaster, was taken over by soldiers.

The president, who is also the chair of the SADC, according to the statement, "has urged the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Defense Force to resolve the political impasse amicably and has urged the Zimbabwean Defense Force to ensure that the maintenance of peace and security in the country is not compromised."

You can read the full statement here, and follow our coverage of the situation in Zimbabwe here.