AfriForum prosecutors hopeful former SANDF member's life sentence will encourage victims to speak out

JOHANNESBURG - AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit is hopeful that the successful prosecution of former South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member Leon Santos Congal, who knowingly infected his unwitting ex with HIV, will encourage victims of similar crimes to speak out.

Conga tested positive for the virus in 2007 but failed to disclose it to his ex - Antoinette Ndishishi, who has consented to being identified. 

She then contracted the virus from him.

In June, he was found guilty of rape and attempted murder, and on Wednesday was sentenced to life behind bars.

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit has been involved in the case since 2018. 

Spokesperson Barry Bateman: "We’re always hopeful that successful prosecutions will encourage people to come forward, whereas in the past they might have opted to remain quiet because of fear that they will not be treated with dignity and with the seriousness that's required given the nature of some of the crimes, particularly against women.

"So we are hopeful that there’s a strong message that’s being sent here that people will listen to victims of crime."

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• Antoinette Ndishishi pleased with ex partner Conga's life sentence for rape, attempted murder 
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