Sex hyena arrested

An HIV-positive man who works as a “fisi” or hyena has been arrested after a BBC documentary highlighted his job. Eric Aniva works in Malawi as a “fisi” and was the subject of a BBC show with host Ed Butler that aired this week.

Aniva told the BBC that he did not tell his clients that he was HIV positive.

Once the show was aired this week there was a huge international shock and outcry and calls for Malawi to address this custom.

The “fisi" participates in sexual cleansing practices. In one, girls are made to have sex with the “fisi” after their first menstruation. Some of the girls are as young as 12 years old, according to the BBC report. A “fisi” may also have sex with widows or married women who cannot fall pregnant.
Presidential spokesman Mgeme Kalilani said Aniva would "further be investigated for exposing the young girls to contracting HIV and… be charged accordingly". The president has also ordered that all men and parents involved in the documentary be investigated.

"All people involved in this malpractice should be held accountable for subjecting their children and women to this despicable evil," the statement said.

It is hard to take a stand against an age-old practice. But when a practice violates rights and can lead to illness, it’s time to take a stand against it. If you see this practice happening in your village you need to share your knowledge, educate others and stand up for women’s human rights.