South African President Jacob Zuma says he is watching the events unfolding in neighbouring Zimbabwe with “great concern”.
An official statement released by Mr Zuma’s office called on the armed forces “to resolve the political impasse amicably”.
In August, South Africa found itself drawn into its own fight involving the Mugabe family when Grace Mugabe allegedly assaulted a model in a Johannesburg hotel room.
Mrs Mugabe was not prosecuted after Mr Zuma’s government gave her diplomatic immunity.