HIV carrier ‘The Hyena’ has been arrested for crimes of having sex with children

Last week, we covered the horrifying story of a man hired to sexually cleanse children.

Eric Aniva spoke to the BBC in a new documentary, telling reporters proudly of his role in the ancient tradition of ' sexual cleansing'. As part of sacred traditions in the Nsanje district, Eric spoke of how he made a living having sex with children to 'cleanse' them of 'sins' they commit, such as abortion, menstruation or being widowed by their husband. One of ten hyenas in the local community, Eric confessed to sleeping with more than 100 women and is HIV positive yet still carried on sleeping with the girls of the village for fees between €3.58 and €5.97 (£3-£5) per girl. The man, estimated to be more than 40 didn't seem remorseful or ashamed of his job "Most of those I have slept with are girls, school-going girls." "Some girls are just 12 or 13 years old, but I prefer them older. All these girls find pleasure in having me as their hyena." According to the BBC, Eric Aniva has now been arrested for his crimes of sleeping with girls as young as 12 or 13. President Peter Mutharika called for the arrest of Eric Aniva following the exposé of the barbaric rituals going on in the Nsanje village. A spokesman for the President, Mgeme Kalilani spoke of how 'The Hyena' would be investigated for his crimes.

"While we must promote positive cultural values and positive socialisation of our children, the president says harmful cultural and traditional practices cannot be accepted in this country... "All people involved in this malpractice should be held accountable for subjecting their children and women to this despicable evil."