The cholera epidemic continues to deteriorate and has claimed at least 500 people (some say it is considerably higher) but making life even more difficult for Robert Mugabe is his weakening control of the internal security forces. In another time, any revolts by this group would have been unthinkable. This is not going to end well for Mugabe, who should have walked away when it was still possible. Whether the end of in 2009 or beyond is difficult to say but when that day arrives, it will not be as dignified as he had hoped.
State hospitals and clinics have been shut across the country and the lack of money to buy water treatment chemicals means many major urban centres have not had clean water for over a year. Because of the breakdown in the water system, residents are having to drink from contaminated wells and streams.
"There is a general sense that everything is beginning to break down," said a senior Western diplomat, who described the situation in Zimbabwe as "low-grade anarchy" rather than a "mutiny".
In a clear sign that President Mugabe's hold on his state security machinery is starting to crumble, his once-loyal soldiers ran amok across the capital on Monday after they failed to access their paltry wages in the cash-strapped banks. The unarmed soldiers fought with heavily-armed police and several were arrested.
It was the third outbreak of such violence since last Thursday. The sight of rampaging soldiers was then unprecedented. Army sources said an inquiry had already begun, with dozens facing courts martial. Unconfirmed reports say three of the 12 soldiers who took part in Thursday's riot have been killed.
