The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has said it intends to join a case in which Nsanje-based Eric Aniva is accused of defiling young girls in ritual cleansing.
Aniva was arrested on Monday upon President Peter Mutharika’s order following a story that was published by British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in which Aniva revealed to have been hired to sleep with 104 women and girls.
Chairperson for MHRC, Jus t in Dzonzi, said the commission is very shocked considering that people entrusted with the responsibility of protecting children were the ones being mentioned to have procured his services saying the commission intends to join the case either through joint prosecution or as friends of the court.
“For a solid case to be made, whether it is in his favour or that of his potential victims, the police need to be given space to do their work independently and professionally.
“We know that the public has interest in the case but it is important to know that Mr. Aniva is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law and we are hoping that the police will be able to work beyond and above the hype and views coming from different quarters,” he said.
Dzonzi further highlighted that the commission believes that certain aspects of the alleged conduct involve the commission of criminal offences for which he can be prosecuted.
According to MHRC, there is need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the real events. The issues of knowing his HIV sero-status and deliberately not taking precaution to prevent transmission and his admission of sexual abuse of children are both criminal offences of such a serious nature that the commission is compelled to take up this matter and scale up its engagement to eradicate harmful cultural practices.
“MHRC is very shocked and concerned on the allegations made in the article… and that Aniva did this whilst he was aware of his HIV sero-status,” he said.
The Daily Times has been reliably informed that MHRC played a key role in the investigations and eventual apprehension of Aniva by providing financial support to the police, under Save the Children Child Rights Governance Fund, so that a thorough investigation can be done into the allegations raised in the BBC coverage.
On Thursday July 21, 2016, MHRC held a meeting with the police to strategise on how they would proceed with their investigations.
Aniva’s story which he told to the BBC indicates that he was paid about K2,900 to K5,075 each time he performed his ‘hyena’ duties.
Malawi has progressive laws on prohibition of sexual abuse of children and harmful cultural practices as contained in the Child Care Protection and Justice Act, 2010 and the Gender Equality Act, 2013.
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