A South African man reveals why he intentionally infected his girlfriend with HIV

A 47-year-old South African man, accused of deliberately infecting his girlfriend with HIV, was released on 2,000 rand bail by the Pretoria Magistrates' Court while facing charges of attempted murder.

According to the National Prosecutor's Office (NPA), the accused allegedly concealed his HIV-positive status from his 38-year-old girlfriend during their relationship, which lasted from October 2025 to June 2026.

NPA spokeswoman Lumka Mahanjana said the man allegedly told the complainant he was HIV negative.

However, on June 26, 2026, the woman allegedly discovered antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in his bag and confronted him.

Mahanjana claimed that the accused and the complainant had a relationship from October 2025 to June 2026.

"During this period, the accused allegedly lied about his serological status by informing the complainant that he was HIV negative," Mahanjana said.

According to the allegations, the accused admitted to being HIV positive and reportedly told the complainant that he had intentionally infected her with HIV.

"The accused reportedly admitted to being HIV positive and stated that he intentionally infected her because he did not want her to have a relationship with another person," Mahanjana said.

The complainant then underwent an HIV screening test at a medical facility on July 25, 2026, and was informed that she had tested positive.

She reported the incident to the police the following day, which led to the arrest of the accused at their shared home.

When the man was asked to be released on bail, the state did not oppose his release, arguing that he was not considered a flight risk.

"The court felt it was in the interest of justice to release him on bail of 2,000 rand," Mahanjana said.

The case has been adjourned until August 27, 2026 for the setting of a hearing date before a regional court.

The accused remains charged with attempted murder.