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| A soldier convicted of infecting partner with HIV |
Former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member, Leon Santos Conga, has been convicted of attempted murder and rape after intentionally infecting his former partner with HIV. Former SANDF member Leon Santos Conga has been convicted of attempted murder and rape for not disclosing his HIV status to his former partner. The conviction came after a lengthy legal battle led by Antoinette Ndishishi, represented by AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit. In a statement on X, AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit's (PPU) Communications Manager, Barry Bateman, said the case dates back to 2018 when Ndishishi approached the PPU seeking justice: Evidence revealed Conga's status Despite facing obstacles, including the SANDF's refusal to release Conga's medical records, the unit persisted in supporting Ndishishi's fight for accountability. The evidence obtained by the Private Prosecution Unit, including Conga's medical records revealing his knowledge of his HIV status since 2007, played a crucial role in securing the conviction. The court found that Conga's failure to disclose his HIV-positive status to Ndishishi before engaging in sexual relations amounted to rape, as she had only consented under the belief that he was HIV-negative. See the post on X below: Conga awaits sentencing Pretoria Magistrate Fikiswa Ntlati delivered the verdict, highlighting Ndishishi's credibility as a witness and emphasising the gravity of Conga's actions. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for 7 August 2024, as Conga awaits the consequences of his actions. Ndishishi expressed gratitude for the unit's assistance and urged other women to come forward and report similar cases without fear of stigma or discrimination. This case underscores the ongoing fight against HIV-related crimes and the importance of legal avenues for victims seeking recourse. by Jackson Otukho Didacus Malowa
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