President Jacob Zuma, as chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has decided to deploy a special envoy to Zimbabwe in light of the developments regarding President Robert Mugabe.

The envoy, which will start in Angola, will be led by Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and State Security Minister Bongani Bongo.

"The Special Envoys will also be sent to the Republic of Angola to see President Joao Lourenco, Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security to brief him on the situation," the presidency said in a statement.

Mugabe and his family have been under military guard as the army also took over the state broadcaster earlier, in what many have described as a coup.

"President Zuma spoke to President Robert Mugabe earlier today who indicated that he was confined to his home but said that he was fine," the Presidency said.

It also said South Africa was in contact with the Zimbabwean Defence Force.

Zuma reiterated his earlier calls for calm and restraint in Zimbabwe.