South African man accused of intentionally infecting lover with HIV appears in court

A 47 year-old South African man is in custody after allegedly infecting his 38 year-old girlfriend with HIV.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the alleged offences took place between October 2025 and June 2026 while the accused was in a relationship with the 38-year-old complainant.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the man allegedly claimed he was HIV negative during that period.

Additionally, Mahanjana said the woman became suspicious after discovering antiretroviral (ARV) medication in the accused’s bag.

She alleged that when confronted, the man admitted he was HIV positive and told her he had intentionally infected her because he did not want her to be with another person.

Meanwhile,the woman later underwent an HIV test on July 25, 2026, and was informed she had tested positive.

The accused, who is from Boschkop in Pretoria, remains in custody after his case was postponed to August 3 for bail information.