Harare-Zimbabwe’s main opposition political party, the MDC has distanced itself from utterances made by party Vice Chairman, Job Sikhala insinuating that the MDC will overthrow the Mnangagwa government.

Sikhala at a rally in Bikita is alleged to have said that the MDC would overthrow the current government before 2023.

In a statement by Deputy National spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka, the MDC has downplayed the utterances saying they believed in constitutionalism.

“The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon. Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.

“It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted” said Tamborinyoka

He added “For the record, the MDC believes in Constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims”

Zanu PF Youth league leader Lewis Matutu, said Sikhala’s statements show that there is an attempt to effect a coup.

“When a person says they want to overthrow a constitutionally-elected President, they are committing an offence and they are threatening a coup, this will not be allowed in this country. We love our peace and it will be protected,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sikhala has claimed that he has been summoned to report at CID law and order and was yet to go.