A 47-year-old man from Boschkop, east of Pretoria, has appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on a charge of attempted murder after allegedly misleading his girlfriend about his HIV status and intentionally infecting her with the virus.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the serious allegations, with prosecutors claiming the accused knowingly concealed his HIV-positive status throughout the couple’s relationship.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the man and the 38-year-old complainant were involved in a romantic relationship from October 2025 until June 2026. During that time, he allegedly assured the woman that he was HIV negative, leading her to believe there was no risk of infection.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the truth only came to light in June 2026 when the woman reportedly discovered antiretroviral (ARV) medication in the man’s bag. Concerned by what she had found, she confronted him about the medication and questioned him about his health status.
It is alleged that during the confrontation, the man admitted that he was HIV positive. Prosecutors further claim he confessed that he had intentionally infected the complainant because he did not want her to leave him for another person.
The alleged admission prompted the woman to seek medical attention. In July 2026, she underwent an HIV test at a healthcare facility, where she received a positive diagnosis.
Following the test results, the complainant reported the matter to the South African Police Service the next day. Police launched an investigation and arrested the accused at the residence where the couple had reportedly been living together.
The man made his first appearance in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where the State formally charged him with attempted murder.
The court postponed the matter to **3 August 2026** to allow for the collection and presentation of information relating to a possible bail application. Until then, the accused remains in custody.
The case highlights the serious legal consequences that may arise when an individual is accused of knowingly exposing another person to HIV without disclosure or informed consent. South African courts have, in previous cases, treated the intentional transmission of HIV as a serious criminal offence, depending on the circumstances and evidence presented.
As investigations continue, the prosecution is expected to present further evidence regarding the accused’s alleged knowledge of his HIV status, the nature of the relationship, and the events leading to the complainant’s infection.
The accused has not yet entered a plea, and the allegations against him remain untested in court. Under South African law, every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case is expected to return to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on **3 August 2026**, when proceedings related to bail are scheduled to continue. Authorities have indicated that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
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