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Soldiers perpetuating violence against women
Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET)
March 04, 2003

Before the dust has settled after the Christmas tragedy in Gweru and countless others before that, another soldier in Nyanga has used a service gun to kill not only his wife but also, four others. In all instances the reason for such violence are domestic disputes with wives.

The army owes society an explanation. The tragedies hit the headlines and disappear after the deceased have been buried. The army is simply not taking any action to avoid such occurrences in the future. Why do soldiers have free access to guns when the authorities know that some of the soldiers use them to gun down innocent civilians?

The Zimbabwe Civic Education Trust (ZIMCET) is urging the Ministry of Defence to take urgent action to curb the growing violence against women who are unarmed in all the instances that disaster strikes. It is high time someone in the army does something to save many other women who have relationships with soldiers. It is sad to note that this incident happens just a few days before Zimbabwean women join the rest of the world to commemorate the International Women's Day on March 8. Zimbabwean women are demanding the end of gender-based violence. Women are not at peace until this happens.

Visit the ZIMCET fact sheet

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