HIV-infected man who is paid £3-a-time to have sex with KIDS is arrested after claiming the girls took ‘pleasure’ in the abuse
Eric Aniva, known as a 'hyena' in Malawi said he did not mention his HIV to those who hire him
AN HIV-positive man who says he was paid £3-a-time to have sex with kids has been arrested after claiming the girls took "pleasure" in the abuse.
Eric Aniva, who is known as the "hyena", says he was paid to have sex with young girls as a form of ritual cleansing.
President Peter Mutharika said police should investigate and charge him over cases of defilement he seemingly confessed to on camera.
His spokesman Mgeme Kalilani said: "While we must promote positive cultural values and positive socialisation of our children, the president says harmful cultural and traditional practices cannot be accepted in this country."
Sexual cleansing is common practice in southern Malawi, and women are required to participate at various points in their life - including if their husband dies or if they have an abortion.
Young girls are sent to "initiation camps" by their families before puberty, where they are taught how to have sex and are forced into the act over three days after their first period "to avoid infection with their parents or the rest of the community".
"Hyenas" are trusted to be disease-free due to their "good morals" - and condoms are prohibited in Malawi tradition.
Avena will be "further investigated for exposing the young girls to contracting HIV and further be charged accordingly", the spokesman added.
The president also ordered all men and parents to be investigated, saying: "All people involved in this malpractice should be held accountable for subjecting their children and women to this despicable evil.
"These horrific practices although done by a few also tarnish the image of the whole nation of Malawi internationally and bring shame to us all."
Malawi banned child marriage last year, raising the legal age to wed from 15 to 18 - something activists hoped would end early sexual initiations.
Aniva told the BBC he would stop taking part in sexual cleansing practices.
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