As debate continues over the sentencing of Eric Aniva, a Nsanje hyena man, Malawians have trashed the sentence, saying the convict does not deserve a custodial sentence.

Nsanje Magistrate Court on Tuesday slapped Aniva with 24 months imprisonment with hard labour for allegedly engaging in harmful practices and 10 months for attempting to engage in harmful practices.

Most Malawians who spoke to FaceofMalawi reporter said Aniva is a victim of culture and slapping him with suspended sentence could have been better.

Chalamira Mkandawire  said: “He doesn’t deserve to be in jail at all. A suspended sentence was the best. He is not to blame, but the dirty culture that still continues.

“Anyway, who is going to be voted the next hyena?”

Concurring with Mkandawire’s remarks Mike Muwa said Aniva’s sentence could have been imposed to parents and the people who were hiring him.

“The judge isn’t qualified at all, the judgment doesn’t worth the punishment.
He didn’t rape the gals, its their parents who must deserve imprisonment because they forced him to do that,” said Muwa.

On his part, Patson Chirwa Thegha  said: “This is our culture .I don’t blame the man for bragging .The problem is the root of the stem thats why trees will still be growing.”

Meanwhile the people of Nsanje have also condemned the sentencing, saying Aniva was not in the wrong.