A Harare woman, Miriam Mhembere, was sued for commenting over the HIV status of another woman publically. Both of these women live in Harare’s northern township of Mabvuku.

The Civil Court Magistrate, Mr. Tayengwa Chibanda, ordered Mhembere to pay US$1 500 as penalty and US$269 as the cost of suit by Friday this week. In case the woman fails to pay the penalty amount, she will have to face civil imprisonment. Mhembere was convicted of misconduct and affecting victim's dignity by the magistrate. This was one of the first cases of its kind in Zimbabwe and could set as an example.

Mhembere verbally assaulted the victim for her HIV status on two occasions in August last year. She did so because of a misunderstanding between them. The verbal insult took place in front of the victim's daughter and relatives. The victim was humiliated by the assault and reported the matter to the police and they took further action in the matter.

Zimbabwe has one of the highest rates of HIV cases in the world. About one in seven local residents are believed to be HIV-positive.