Chapter 4: EXAMPLES OF WORKS OF ART THAT HAVE BEEN CENSORED IN ZIMBABWE 4.1 Introduction This part is a collection of examples of works of art that have been censored in Zimbabwe. By no means is the list exhaustive as there are several other examples that have not been given sufficient public coverage by the media. Other examples include the banning of some songs on Leonard Zhakata’s ‘Hodho’ album; Thomas Mapfumo’s ‘Chimurenga Rebel’ album not being played on state radio stations; Robson Banda’s ‘Tisakanganwe Chinyakare’ banned as encouraging tribalism and so on. Case 1 Who: Silvanos Mudzvova and Rooftop Promotions When: 5 January 2011 Where: Chimanimani – Cashel Valley What happened: Six actors, a driver and project coordinator were arrested and detained for 48 hours in Cashel Valley and taken to court for performing a play titled Rituals by Rooftop Promotions. The actors notified the police of provisions of POSA which protects theatre and film performers from being arrested yet they got locked up. The actors were then charged for criminal nuisance under section 46 of POSA which entailed beating drums wantonly and disturbing the peace of the community whereupon they were ordered to pay a fine of $20. What was the charge and under what act: Criminal Nuisance under Section 46 of POSA What was the final outcome: Judge dismissed the case. Witnesses said they saw no problem with the performances and that they actually enjoyed them. 74 | P a g e