HIV horror for new mum!

WHAT was meant to be a joyful celebration of academic achievement turned into a nightmare for a 24-year-old mum from Thokoza, Ekurhuleni.

Her six-week-old baby was allegedly breastfed without her consent by a woman believed to be living with HIV.

The incident has sparked deep concern over child safety and exposed troubling gaps in the legal system's response to such unusual and distressing cases.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, 12 April, while the woman was out celebrating her graduation.

She had left her infant in the care of her younger sister (16) for the day, trusting that her kid would be safe at home. But the following day, neighbourhood kids came forward with alarming claims.

"I had just graduated and wanted one night to celebrate this milestone. The next day, kids from the neighborhood came to me and told me that 'Mama' had breastfed my baby without my permission," she said.

The woman in question, identified as a friend of the woman's mum, had reportedly been visiting the home when the incident occurred.

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According to the kids, she removed the baby's bottle and replaced it with her own breast.

"This was a complete violation of trust, especially because I'm aware of her health status, which posed a serious risk to my child," said Madaza.

Shocked and devastated, the young mum rushed her infant to a local clinic on Sunday, 13 April.

Initial tests confirmed the baby was HIV-negative, but as a precaution, doctors immediately began administering Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment to prevent any potential HIV transmission.

Final blood test results, which will offer more conclusive answers, are expected in May 2025, leaving the family in a state of anxious uncertainty.

Despite the seriousness of the alleged incident, the devastated mum said she has faced significant barriers while trying to pursue legal action.

When she reported the case at the Thokoza Police Station, officers allegedly demanded proof of the woman's HIV status and required all involved parties to be present before they would process the case.