The era of Robert Mugabe is over, and a new era of Zimbabwe's political history is underway.

Army chiefs have taken over in a bloodless coup, putting the president of 37 years under house arrest, just days after Mugabe appointed his wife Grace his political successor.

The 93-year-old may continue as president, at least during a transitional period.

READ MORE: Mugabe under house arrest, army in control after coup

But Harare correspondent Rashweat Mukundu said he is now effectively powerless.

"Some of his minister are being arrested by the military, essentially we are seeing the end of an uninterrupted dominance of the Zimbabwe political space."

The military is likely to suspend next year's elections, after taking over from Mugabe and Mukundu expects them to install a transitional government.

Grace Mugabe appears to have fled the country, possibly to Namibia.