Police Refuses To Play National Anthem

Despite the presence of Tsvangirai and his deputy, Thokozani Khupe, the band said it could not play the national anthem because of non-show of Vice President Joice Mujuru who was supposed to attend.

Vice President Mujuru, however, sent Sylvester Nguni, a minister of state in her office, to represent her.

Tsvangirai presided over the function.

“What transpired at the International conference centre this afternoon arose from a misunderstanding…Protocol detects that the national anthem is played at occasions, which are presided over by the presidium and in this case Vice President Mujuru was supposed to officiate,” a police officer told Radio VOP.
 
The police officer said no official communication was given to the police band by the organisers on who was going to  stand on behalf of the Vice President.

“There are laid down procedures on when to play the national anthem and there is always an individual to liaise with the police band…in this instance there was no-one to co-ordinate.”

However, after some consultations  the band was ready to play the national anthem but Minister of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, Mashakada  announced that he was no longer interested in having it played.

The Movement Democratic Change (MDC) led by Tsvangirai has since the formation of the inclusive government in 2009, been calling for the reform of the security sector because of its alignment to Zanu (PF). Some of the senior members of the security forces have openly declared their patronage to Zanu (PF).