Africa | Zimbabwe | Crimes

These women survived domestic abuse, now they’re sharpshooters protecting animals from poachers

Abused and disadvantaged women have become Zimbabwe's hidden weapon against poachers who kill elephants and rhinos for their tusks and horns. The Akashinga squad, or "The Brave Ones," is Zimbabwe's first all-female anti-poaching team that has quickly earned a top reputation as sharpshooters. They've arrested 80 armed poachers in the past year. Petronella Chigumbura, the star sniper of the squad, wears a full camouflage suit for solo night patrols. "When I wear this suit no one can see me, and I can hide from the poacher," Chigumbura told CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta in a

Africa | Zimbabwe | Crimes

Rise in rape cases cause for concern

Source: NewsDay

IN Zimbabwe, violence against women and girls has been widely discussed, but sadly the statistics of rape cases are shocking. According to records by Msasa Project, a group that provides counseling and temporary shelter to women survivors of domestic violence, on average 300 cases of violence against women are recorded monthly. Msasa Project director Netty Musanhu said 25% of women and girls in Zimbabwe experienced gender-based violence. She said relatives, neighbours and trusted people like pastors and teachers were the main perpetrators. Former Women’s Affairs minister Oppah Much