Eric Aniva was HIV positive and said to have sexually cleansed over 100 women and girls in Malawi — Malawi NEWSNow
Sexual cleansing
RELATED STORIES
Locally referred to as Kusasa Fumbi, this tradition is practised in several African countries, such as Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya.
Under this ritual, young girls are required to have sex with paid male sex workers, locally known as “hyenas,” after receiving their first menstrual period, becoming widowed or after having an abortion.
The sexual cleansing tradition can last for three days. Girls are taken to a secluded place where they spend three days learning different aspects of womanhood, including how to please a man.
On the last day, a “hyena” is invited to cleanse the initiates. Locals believe the practice prevents diseases.
In 2016, the practice made headlines after news site BBC exposed a man who was hired to sleep with girls.
Eric Aniva was HIV positive and said to have sexually cleansed over 100 women and girls.
Since then, many activists have been campaigning against the practice, which is believed to be still ongoing in some remote areas in Malawi.
