The leader of Zimbabwe's war veterans has said they will initiate legal action in the country's high court to remove President Robert Mugabe.

Chris Mutsvangwa said the court action will argue the military takeover in Zimbabwe was legal because Mr Mugabe was derelict in his duties.

He went on to call on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its chairperson, South African President Jacob Zuma, to assist in removing the 93-year-old president.

Mr Mugabe defied expectations he would resign in a national address on Sunday night, during which he was flanked by military generals.

Mugabe fails to resign in state broadcast

Mr Mugabe has reportedly agreed to stand down and his resignation letter has been drafted, CNN said, citing a source familiar with his negotiations with the generals who seized power in Harare last week.

Under the terms of the deal, Mr Mugabe and his wife Grace would be granted full immunity, CNN said.

Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Show all 9 1 /9 Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover President Robert Mugabe, center, arrives to preside over a student graduation ceremony at Zimbabwe Open University AP Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe arrives at student graduation ceremony AP Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover President Robert Mugabe prepares to speak at a student graduation Ap Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Members of the Presidential Guard EPA Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover President Robert Mugabe arrives at his first public appearance at a graduation ceremony in Harare AP Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover President Robert Mugabe confers awards for the students with the leading theses AP Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Robert Mugabe makes his first public appearance EPA Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover Soldiers stand guard as President Robert Mugabe attends a university graduation ceremony REUTERS Mugabe's first public appearance since Zimbabwe military takeover President Robert Mugabe AP

Mr Mugabe was dismissed as head of the ruling Zanu-PF party and replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa, the deputy he sacked earlier this month.

Members of the ruling party's Central Committee danced, cheered and sang as Mr Mugabe was recalled.

Grace Mugabe, the country's unpopular first lady nicknamed "Gucci Grace," was also expelled from the party and recalled as head of the women's league.