Soldier charged with murder for knowingly infecting partner with HIV

A 44 year old soldier in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly knowingly and intentionally infecting his partner with HIV.

The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning.

The staff sergeant, stationed at the SANDF’s Special Forces Unit based in Phalaborwa, Limpopo, has been charged with attempted murder, with an alternate charge of rape under false pretences.

According to the charge sheet, being in the SANDF, the accused underwent compulsory medical examinations, which included tests for HIV, on a regular basis.

In October 2007, the accused tested positive for HIV at the SANDF sickbay in Phalaborwa.

Further laboratory testing confirmed his positive status.