Thursday, May 19, 2022
  • About Us
  • ImagiNATION
  • Adverts
  • Rate Card
  • Contact Us
The Nation Online
Advertisement
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Columns
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Columns
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home News National News

Nsanje ‘hyena’ Aniva ponders suing government

by Nation Online
15/11/2020
in National News
4 min read
0
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsAppShare on LinkedinLinkedinShare via Email

Almost two years after his release from prison, the famed Nsanje ‘hyena’, Eric Aniva says he wants to sue government for jailing him over what he calls a cultural norm.

Aniva first shot to fame for his “hyena man” antics that saw him confessing to have had sex with at least 100 girls and women in traditional cleansing rituals when he was HIV positive, a move which the Nsanje Principal Magistrates’ Court then found the practice “harmful”.

The 54-year-old also confirmed during his court hearing that he had been involved in the practice since 1985, with clients parting with K5 000 to K10 000 for his services.

Arrested for sexual cleansing rituals

However, in an interview, recently, Aniva felt justice was not served and that it was time to rectify the abnormality.

“Upon my conviction and my consequent sentencing, my lawyer promised me that he would fight on for my case. I am yet to see any progress to the case up until today. However, the truth remains that I was wrongly jailed,” he said.

Aniva also called for well-wishers to take up the case; maintaining his argument that he did not commit any crime.

He said: “I mean, I was jailed for fulfilling my cultural duties. Since when has following what culture dictates become a crime?”

In the aftermath of his release from prison, Aniva formed his own HIV and Aids support group that aims at raising awareness of the disease in his new home area Ngabu in Chikwawa.

Originally, he comes from Chimphwembe, Senior Chief Malemia in Nsanje.

“I am literally struggling to promote my initiative which I strongly believe can help inspire positive behavioural changes in many communities. Besides, I need support because I can barely support myself. Things have never been easy for me since my release,” he complained.

Meanwhile, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare

 Patricia Kaliati said government was ready to square up with Aniva in court again.Patricia Kaliati said government

Sounding defiant as ever, the minister said they have engaged lawyers to defend women rights, even on pro bono basis. She argued government is now taking issues of gender-based violence seriously.

“Just as it is with anyone else, women too have sexual rights. They actually have a right to choose who they sleep with. However, our argument is that people should not hide behind culture for personal gratification. Not in this democratic era we are in right now,” she said.

However, Aniva’s saga continues to split opinion, with some still feeling he was just used as a scapegoat.

According to Michael Dansa from Aniva’s village, issues of natural justice were not followed in the case.

“If the issue was just, why were the women not questioned for their part? What about their relatives who would connive with the ‘hyena man’ to offer his services in the respective families? What happened to the issue of hearing both sides before judging?” he queried.

However, Senior Chief Malemia insisted that Aniva’s acts were inexcusable.

“I support people’s rights to seek court redress when they feel their rights have been violated. The court convicted Aniva depending on both the law and his offence. Why, I mean, should someone be called a ‘hyena’ in the first place,” he said.

Malema added that chiefs, being the custodians of culture, should not promote violations of human rights.

He said: “In any cultural set-up, traditional leaders are there to promote various aspects peculiar to the people such as food, dressing, language and even dances. Not some of these ill practices.”

The court convicted Aniva of the crime on November 22 2016, though he kept pleading not guilty.

Defence lawyer Michael Goba Chipeta then asked for court leniency over the matter, arguing the saga had brought enough shame to Aniva’s life.

Previous Post

Teams wary of TNM Super League kick off

Next Post

MLS cautions Maneb board

Related Posts

Front Page

Nocma gets fuel supply assurance

May 19, 2022
National News

Macra moves to boost telecommunications sector

May 19, 2022
Bodole: We are accused of delaying projects
National News

ACB laments pressure on contracts vetting

May 19, 2022
Next Post
Kaukonde: We will act on
evidence

MLS cautions Maneb board

Opinions and Columns

Business Unpacked

Fixing economy needs action, not rhetoric

May 19, 2022
Candid Talk

Know your place in his/her life

May 15, 2022
People’s Tribunal

Why can’t we start with implementing the reforms?

May 15, 2022
Big Man Wamkulu

My wife is a WhatsApp addict

May 15, 2022

Trending Stories

  • CAF accepts FAM’s request on Flames fixture shift

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Muluzi, state in endless match

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • UTM party vehicle issue goes to MRA

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Road traffic spot fines on way out

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Cooking oil shortage hits Malawi

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Malawi-Music.com Top10

  • Values
  • Our Philosophy
  • Editorial policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Code of Conduct
  • Plagiarism disclaimer
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of use

© 2022 Nation Publications Limited. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Life & Style
    • Every Woman
      • Soul
      • Family
    • Religion
    • Feature
  • Society
  • Columns
  • Sports
  • Chichewa
  • Enation

© 2020 Nation Publications Limited. All Rights Reserved.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.