Magistrate’s Court in Nsanje on Thursday found Eric Aniva, who is answering charges of indulging in harmful practices by sleeping with over 100 girls and women in ritual cleansing and potentially infecting them with HIV, with a case to answer.

But his lawyer, Michael Chipeta, said on Friday that although Aniva has been found with a case to answer, he will not parade any witnesses for his defence.

Chipeta said Aniva has chosen to exercise his right to remain silent in the case.

“What remained was for Mr Aniva either to start calling witnesses or choose to remain silent because the law allows him to. He has chosen to remain silent,” he said.

Chipeta said the court will deliver its ruling on November 18, on whether Aniva is guilty or not based on the evidence the state tendered in court.

“As the defence, we will be making our submissions in which we will analyse the evidence tendered in court in line with the law before the court delivers its ruling,” he said.

Aniva was arrested on July 25 following President Peter Mutharika’s directive.