Vincent Moloi fuming over Tanzanian anti-gay crack down

Award-winning local director Vincent Moloi has added his voice to the chorus of outrage over a decision by government authorities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to identify and punish homosexuals, prostitutes and online fraudsters.

The city's administrative chief Paul Makonda recently announced that a special committee had been formed to enforce the country's anti-gay laws which could see those found guilty serving up to 30 years in jail.

According to several international media reports hundreds of people from the gay community in Tanzania have been forced into hiding over this latest decision.

As support for the LGBTQ community in Tanzania grows over the decision, Vincent Moloi has joined SA-born singer Nakhane in expressing his anger over the government's decision.

He posted a picture in solidarity with those fighting the crackdown on Thursday and questioned why there was so much hate.

"My people, what’s with the hate? I’m in solidarity with LGBTQ community in Tanzania, and the world over," he wrote.

Anticipating that his post would cause a stir he switched off the comments section on the post and made it clear that his position was not up for debate.

"Please. I’m not interested in your argument that this is unAfrican, or God this and God that on my timeline. This status is my unflinching position on this matter, it is not your opportunity to justify and spread your hate. Hambo’dlalela le!"

Tanzania is one of several African countries where being homosexual is against the law.

In 2016, Tanzania banned non-governmental organisations from distributing free lubricants to the LGBTQ community as part of efforts to control the spread of HIV/Aids.

This lead to an outcry from health experts that warned it could raise the risk of infection in the country.