Unknown persons in Gwanda took advantage of the Coronavirus lockdown which sees no-one move around the streets at night to paint graffiti around Gwanda town denouncing the ruling ZANU PF and calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down.

Residents of the mining town woke up to find streets, private perimeter walls and even the ruling party offices inscribed with messages denouncing Mnangagwa, Zanu-PF and Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs minister Abednico Ncube.

A source within the party said they suspected rival opposition MDC Alliance supporters for the graffiti.

“You can see the timing of the graffiti is meant to divert attention from the business of the day. However, we would like to warn the opposition that we would not be distracted by their antics but remain with the people and help them with the fight against COVID-19 as well as improving their livelihoods,” he said.

MDC Alliance officers at the opposition party offices in the town rubbished the sentiments from ZANU PF saying it could have been disappointed ZANU PF supporters or just hungry and angry citizens.

The Zanu-PF source dispelled claims that the work could have been triggered by factional fights in the ruling party

“That is pure imagination and day-dreaming. There are no factions in Zanu-PF. Everyone rallies behind our leadership led by President Mnangagwa who is also our 2023 presidential election candidate. Those who wish the party to have factions may they go hang,” the source added.