The magistrate court in Balaka has remanded Frank Nazombe, awaiting sentencing on Friday, 8th March 2024, for calling a woman living with HIV ‘Wa Edzi.’

Magistrate Philip Chibwana said this is a violation of HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Management) Act Number nine of 2018. He convicted Nazombe, and revoked his bail, pending sentencing.

The court on Wednesday heard that, the lady moved the court by lodging a complaint at Balaka Police Station, which led to Nazombe’s arrest.

The HIV and AIDS Act criminalises stigma and discrimination, unlawful disclosure of one’s HIV positive status as well as use of derogatory words against people living with the virus.

The Act pronounces a fine of K5 million and a five-year imprisonment for those found guilty.