While the army has denied a coup has taken place, South African President Jacob Zuma has claimed that President Robert Mugabe is under house arrest in the capital Harare and it’s believed his wife has fled the country.

World Vision’s National Director in the country, Emmanuel Isch told Premier that the charity is “praying for wise decisions to be made by leadership”.

Speaking during News Hour, Isch said: “People are very resilient but at the same time there are issues that need to be addressed in terms of the economy, social issues and so on.

“But we’re hopeful that there will be some solid changes and good decisions made to really allow the country to move forward.”

The foreign secretary has also voiced his concerns about the ongoing situation in the Southern African nation.

Boris Johnson told the House of Commons that the situation is “fluid” and said the UK is appealing to everyone in Zimbabwe to refrain from violence.

He said the Foreign Office and British Embassy are working to keep around 20 thousand British nationals safe.

On Tuesday evening, at least three explosions were heard in the capital and military vehicles were seen in the streets.

Troops on Wednesday were patrolling Harare, after they seized state TV and said they were targeting “criminals”.

BBC correspondents have reported that the move may be a bid to replace Mr Mugabe with his sacked deputy,…

Houston, who said in August a “yes” vote would have wide-reaching ramifications, has encouraged Australians to “move forward in unity and love, viewing one another without labels”.

He said in the statement released on Wednesday: “I believe every person is created by God with a plan and purpose, and the focus of Hillsong Church has always been – and will always be – to point people to Jesus.

“As we move forward as a nation and put what has been at times a divisive debate behind us, my prayer is that we replace anger, criticism, hatred and intolerance with love, understanding, acceptance and kindness.”

However, Houston maintained that his personal belief on the biblical definition of marriage will not change and urged the government to protect churches who do not agree with gay marriage.

He added: “The work of our church will continue as usual as it does in many parts of the world where same-sex marriage is legal.

“It is vital however, that legislation protects the rights of churches, pastors and others to hold contrary beliefs based on the traditional teachings of scripture.

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental part of a democratic society and must be upheld. Any attempt to force Christians to compromise their faith would be wrong.”

He reminded Christians that “Jesus taught us that holding firm to our convictions, and respecting and appreciating other people who hold different views, are not mutually exclusive”.

Police are investigating at least four incidents where Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal collection boxes were stolen or broken into in the days before or after Remembrance Sunday.

Around £100 was seized from three donation boxes at St Thomas’ Leesfield Church in the Lees area of Greater Manchester (pictured below) on Saturday night.

Roy Atkinson, deputy warden of the church, was quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying: “It’s disgusting anyone could do that.”

In Cornwall, officers were called to St Blaise Parish Church in St Austell (pictured below), where approximately £25 was taken from a Poppy Appeal collection.

Windows were broken during the incident, which happened sometime between 1pm last Thursday and 2pm the next day, causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

Four donation containers, including two Poppy Appeal boxes, were stolen from St Botolph’s Church in Boston, Lincolnshire (pictured top, left) in two incidents.

The first occurred at 12.15pm last Friday, while the second took place at around 3pm yesterday.

Approximately £50 worth of donations were taken from a collection tin at Christ Church on London Road in Cosham, Hampshire sometime between 4pm on Friday 3rd November and 9am the following day.

PC David Ronchetti was quoted by the Southern Daily Echo as saying: “This is a particularly…