By Nqobani Ndlovu

BULAWAYO — Police on Thursday night barred organisers of the Umthwakazi Arts Festival from launching the annual festival at the Large City Hall after raising security concerns and claiming they were understaffed.

Police reportedly ordered the launch not to go ahead because they did not have enough officers to ensure security.

This comes amid increased government-sanctioned repression and violence against opposition voices. The government has barred opposition parties from holding rallies saying they compromise state security.

Organisers of the annual Arts Festival complain that they incurred huge losses as a result of the police action. However central bank governor, Gideon Gono presented his interim monetary policy statement at the same venue and day, attracting an equally large turnout.

Umthwakazi Arts Festival seeks to promote local culture and upcoming artists and has grown in popularity since its launch in Bulawayo five years ago.

Kholiwe Nyoni, the Umthwakazi publicity officer confirmed police barred them from holding the launch of the annual festival at the Large City Hall. Nyoni said the police indicated the launch could not go on as "it was not cleared".

"We got a directive that the launch could not take place as it was not cleared. To us it was a private function like the ones we usually have. Police also said they were understaffed," Nyoni said.

She said they incurred huge losses. "I do not have the actual figures with me as of now but we incurred huge losses."

Under the notorious Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Zimbabweans are required to seek police clearance before holding gatherings.

Bulawayo Police spokesperson, Inspector Shepherd Sibanda could not be reached for comment despite repeated efforts. His mobile phone went unanswered.

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