Police in Zambia have arrested a 22-year-old man, Kennedy Masiwa from Itezhi Tezhi district of Southern Province for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend after discovering that she was receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment.

According to reports, Kennedy Masiwa assaulted her girlfriend, Modester Mukome on February 3, 2022 in Itezhi Tezhi, causing actual bodily harm.

Kennedy was charged with one count Assault Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) in violation of Section 248 of the penal code, Cap 87 of the Zambian laws.

When the case was called for a plea before magistrate Mugala Chalwe, Masiwa stated that he understood the charge and admitted it, but said that he did for justifiable reasons.

Magistrate Chalwe entered a not guilty plea and adjourned the case until 9 March 2022, when the trial will begin.