A 47-year-old South African man accused of deliberately infecting his girlfriend with HIV has been granted R2,000 bail by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court while facing a charge of attempted murder.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the man allegedly concealed his HIV-positive status from his 38-year-old girlfriend during their relationship, which lasted from October 2025 to June 2026.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the accused allegedly told the woman that he was HIV-negative.
However, on June 26, 2026, the woman reportedly discovered antiretroviral (ARV) medication in his bag and confronted him.
Mahanjana said the accused allegedly admitted that he was HIV-positive and further claimed that he had intentionally infected the woman because he did not want her to be in a relationship with another person.
“The accused allegedly admitted that he was HIV positive and further stated that he had intentionally infected her because he did not want her to be in a relationship with another person,” Mahanjana said.
The complainant subsequently underwent an HIV test at a medical facility on July 25, 2026, and was informed that she had tested positive.
She reported the matter to the police the following day, leading to the accused’s arrest at their shared residence.
During the bail application, the State did not oppose his release, arguing that he was not considered a flight risk.
“The court found that it was in the interests of justice to release him on bail of R2,000,” Mahanjana said.
The case has been adjourned until August 27, 2026, for the determination of a regional court date.
The accused remains charged with attempted murder, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
