Military Coup Reported In Zambia

State radio reported today that Zambian President Frederick Chiluba had been overthrown in a coup. But a military officer said on the same radio station later that the government remained in control.

Gunfire could be heard around the radio station in the two hours after a previously unknown military council announced about dawn that it controlled the state broadcasting center and had ousted Chiluba.

A spokesman for the council said Chiluba would be shot on sight if he refused to surrender, and that all politicians should turn themselves in by noon (2 a.m. PST).

About two hours later, a man who identified himself as Col. Siame issued a short statement on the state radio, saying the government remained in control.

Military roadblocks were set up around the capital, Lusaka, and people heading into town this morning were told to go home. A South African radio station, quoting an unidentified source, said tanks were heading for the city.