A South African soldier, who deliberately infecting his partner with HIV, is on trial for attempted, reports from the country say.
The soldier, a member of the South African National Defence Force, appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court during the week.
Reports say he was aware of his HIV status but still went ahead to have unprotected sex with a female soldier, with whom he was romantically involved.
The case has been adjourned until September 16 to provide the soldier’s legal team with a copy of the charge sheet.
A South African civil rights group, AfriForum, says pressure by its private prosecution unit ensured the soldier’s prosecution.
“AfriForum is supporting her and her family,” the organisation said in a statement.
The organisation said during his appearance on Thursday, “bodyguards” tried to intimidate an AfriForum employee who tried to take pictures of the accused into deleting the images.
“AfriForum wants to state unequivocally that we cannot be intimidated, especially not when it comes to our striving for justice. The family approached us to support them in prosecuting the accused and ensuring that he pays for his deeds — and we will continue doing this,” said advocate Phyllis Vorster, a prosecutor in the private prosecution unit.
The unit became involved in 2018 after being approached by the family of the deceased for support.
After consultation with the prosecutor, the unit learnt that the SANDF refused to provide the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) with the necessary information, Vorster said.
AfriForum said the dossier was now complete after continued pressure from the unit and the NPA was able to prosecute.