Exeter rugby player cautiously welcomes Zimbabwe military move

Exeter-based rugby player Don Armand has cautiously welcomed military action in Zimbabwe which could see an end to 93-year-old president Robert Mugabe's reign.

Don spent his childhood on a 1,000-acre holding near Harare where is father grew flowers but the family was eventually forced to flee after land owned by white farmers came under siege.

Don has now settled in Exeter and is married with two children but he woke up on Wednesday morning to the news that the military had temporarily taken control of his homeland to “target criminals” around Mr Mugabe.

Speaking exclusively to the Exeter Daily, Don said: “I think it is a bit of a surprise, but a welcome one at that. Everyone knew something had to happen eventually, now it's just a case of sit and wait to see whether the outcome is favourable to the people of Zimbabwe or not.

“Judging by how past government elections have gone, I think most people agree that it was the only option that would have ensured change. Be it good or bad after all the dust settles.”

Earlier this year, Don told the Daily Mail about how his family were forced to flee Zimbabwe in 2002.

He said: “We got out before it got too violent or traumatic. It was only when we moved to South Africa, leaving friends, that I read stories about shootouts, murders and wives getting beaten up. Looking back, we were lucky.’

When asked whether events this week would lead to change for the better Don said "only time will tell".

He added: “You never really know whether people have alterior motives or not. But I imagine the people of Zimbabwe are certainly looking at it from an optimistic point of view and hoping that it does have a positive outcome for the country."

Don said he had spoken to friends back home about the situation.

He explained: “At the moment everyone is kind of being held in suspense. We are getting constant updates from them about what is happening, but I think unless you're actually well connected, Jo Public won't know until more actions have been taken.

“Obviously initial reactions were of excitement, because everyone has been waiting for a change to happen, but it's turned to suspense because there is always that "what if" scenario.

“For me personally, this is the country I was born in and take immense pride in being from. So any chance that there can be a positive change is obviously going to get emotions stirring!”