New Magistrate takes over case of  ‘hyena’ Aniva: Malawi man paid for sex with 100 girls

Blantyre Chief Resident Magistrate Thom Ligowe has taken over the case of Nsanje ‘hyena’ man  Eric Aniva charged along side his accomplice-Vito Nkhalamba on sexual offences  after First Grade Magistrate Anderson Masanjala recused himself.

.Judiciary Spokesperson Mlenga Mvula confirmed the appointment of Judge Ligowe to proceed with the case once it resumes on August 25, 2016.

Masanjala recused himself from the case saying he stays in Nsanje so he wanted to remain neutral.

The 45-year-old  Aniva,  who has said he is infected with the Aids virus –  has said he was “not scared” to face trial.

The Law Society of Malawi has said it will represent him when the court reconvenes.

He has been charged with practising harmful cultural practises.

Aniva has said openly that he slept with the young girls as young as 12 years ago and also widows as part of the cultural cleansing ritual.

His wife is a widow whom he slept with after the death of her husband in the same ritual.

“We want him back home. We are suffering because we have no food,” his 25-year-old wife Fanny told AFP.

“When he is around, we don’t suffer because he is a man and he finds means to bring food to the house.”

His second wife, Sophia, said he had long abandoned the “hyena” business.