Robert Mugabe pictured for the first time since Zimbabwe coup

This is the first picture of Robert Mugabe after he was placed under house arrest in a military coup - amid claims he is refusing to step down as Zimbabwe's president.

The 93-year-old can be seen sitting in an arm chair during talks aimed at forcing the dictator to agree to an 'honorable exit' from his position.



It also shows military chief General Constantino Chiwenga in fatigues as well as Zimbabwean defence minister Sydney Sekerayami and South African politicians Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and Bongani Bongo. Catholic priest Fidelis Mukonori was also present as a mediator.

There was still no sign, however, of his wife, Grace, 52, who is said to have been with Mugabe overnight at their £7.5million Blue Roof mansion in Harare.

As the pictures emerged in state newspaper The Herald this afternoon, there were claims the deposed leader was refusing to immediately resign during talks with generals - despite coming under huge pressure.

'They met today. He is refusing to step down. I think he is trying to buy time,' said a source close to the army leadership.