adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor
A LIST of prominent businesspeople, diamond dealers and socialites believed to be HIV positive has gone viral on the social network, especially the WhatsApp network.
The list with 27 people on it which this publication has in its possession has been the talk of the city and has caused panic in some circles. Some people are now speculating on the names on the list.
Below the list are notes warning people not to sleep with those mentioned and it reads: “Let us avoid sleeping with these HIV-infected men in Mutare. Forward this and have an HIV-free generation.”
One of the mentioned businessmen placed on number nine, Isau Mupfumi, on Sunday decided to have a public HIV test in the city after his name was included on the list. The public HIV test, which was done at Pick and Save Supperrette, was witnessed by journalists, businessmen, lawyers, students from colleges in and around Mutare and members of the public who were passing by.
After the public HIV test by Mupfumi, he challenged those present to follow suit especially students who are believed to be among those circulating the malicious list, but they could not have the guts and walked away.
“Why is it that bad things have roots in Mutare? Even in politics, Manicaland is the midwife of all opposition parties. Recently my name was linked to possession of tokoloshis and now I am said to be HIV positive. I wanted to have a public HIV test during the World Aids Day commemorations right at the city centre, but because of these malicious rumours which are finding their way to my family especially my kids who are being affected the most I decided to take the bull by its horns and let the world be the judges of my HIV status. I could have the test done in private, but I decided to go public because I cannot allow my name to be dragged in the mud.
“We should use the social media for our benefit and not to tarnish innocent people’s names and reputation. The law should take its course on all those originating such malicious and damaging information.
“Imagine your child being shown by a friend his or her father’s name among a list of people being said to be HIV positive or associated with all evils one can think of. It is very traumatising to say the least especially this time of the year when most children are sitting their final examinations,” said Mupfumi.
Legal experts interviewed said an affected person could have sued under criminal defamation, but the statute was struck off by the Constitutional Court.
“It is an offence to defame a person and the remedy is to take legal recourse from the civil courts if the person has proof of the source of such information. These cases require civil redress and aggrieved parties should approach the civil courts. The onus is on them to prove to the court the actual source of that information as what we usually receive on WhatsApp is forwarded information.
“We have a Facebook page, Mutare Scandals, where alleged shenanigans involving businesspeople are published.
“No one knows the hosts of that page, but if one has the necessary evidence, he or she can approach the courts for redress. One can file a lawsuit depending on his or her social standing,” said the legal experts who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Online Reporter