Justice on the horizon in attempted HIV murder case
Antoinette Ndishishi, whose former boyfriend allegedly infected her with HIV while knowing that he had the virus, told the court she wants to see the accused convicted and sentenced.
The attempted murder and rape case against a former South African National Defence Force member was postponed yesterday to April 16 for closing arguments in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
The accused had allegedly infected the complainant, his former partner with HIV, while knowing he had the virus and withholding this from her.
Barry Bateman, communications manager of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, said the unit is representing the victim.
The name of the accused is being withheld because the allegations relate to his health status and the matter is being heard in camera.
The victim attended the proceedings. The magistrate called her to testify to clarify aspects of her evidence.
She said the trial, which started in March last year, has taken its toll on her.
“I would like to see the accused convicted and sentenced and for this matter to be finalised. This trial has taken a long time, and it is emotionally draining. It is not a nice thing going to court.
“AfriForum and my family have been very supportive,” she said.
Both the accused and the complainant were members of the Defence Force when the alleged crimes were committed.
“The unit became involved in this matter in 2018, which started with forcing the defence force to provide the accused’s medical records, which contained information relating to his HIV status dating back to 2007,” said Bateman.
He explained the defence force’s refusal to provide these records resulted in the National Prosecuting Authority having to withdraw the case twice.
“Without the unit’s persistent pressure on the defence force, the docket would not have contained sufficient evidence to finally prosecute the accused,” emphasised Bateman.
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