The Zimbabwe Defence Forces have announced the end of their military intervention, which led to the resignation of former president Robert Mugabe last month.

The newly-appointed ZDF Army Commander, Philip Valerio Sibanda, says police have now resumed their normal duties.

LT. GENERAL PHILIP VALERIO SIBANDA ZIMBABWE DEFENCE FORCES COMMANDER "As a result of these political developments, normalcy has now returned to our country. It is for this reason that as your Defense and Security Services we announce the end of Operation Restore Legacy today Dec 18, 2017.""As Operation Restore Legacy comes to an end, it is our hope as your Defense and Security Services that our people will remain united, they will shun corruption, they will be law abiding and focus on working hard for the development of our country."

The military said it launched the operation on November 13th with the aim of removing criminals surrounding the former president. Mugabe resigned on November 21st. Sibanda said some of the criminals had been accounted for, while others had skipped the country. He urged the nation to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects and individuals. The ZDF called on the police to discharge their duties in accordance with the constitutional mandate, and for the public's backing for this. The army also asked that next year's elections be held in a peaceful environment.