By Success Majaramhepo

An Epworth couple dispute on who infected the other with HIV degenerated into a public brawl after they left a local clinic where they had gone for testing and the results came positive for both.

The incident comes as the infection rates within the sprawling slum East of Harare are increasing as cases of prostitution and drug abuse have become the norm among the poor settlers. The spiraling economic situation has further drowned those who were on the fringes of poverty, forcing them to lead risky lives.

It has been said that Ruth Chandiwana (23) of Epworth had a two year affair with Tawanda Takawira and they discovered that they were HIV positive after visiting a local clinic.

A neighbour Rufaro Tarwirei said that the two started fighting on their way back home, accusing each other for willingly transmitting the diseases.

“The two started fighting on their way back home. The lady was saying ndiwe wakandipa chirwere (you are the one who infected me), because of anger and humiliation Tawanda started to beat his girlfriend with open hands,” said Tarwirei.

A fuming Takawira told Zimsentinel that his girlfriend was struggling with illness for some time and when they visited the clinic that is when he discovered that they were both HIV positive.

“My girlfriend was struggling with illness for a long time, so we decided to visit the clinic. We were advised to be tested for HIV, unfortunately the results were not pleasing. I was told that we were both HIV positive. To be honest, I was speechless and l was hurt,” Takawira said.

“This woman is evil that is why l beat her. She knew her HIV status and she kept it a secret. I was pissed off,”added Takawira.

Chandiwana denied the allegation but accused his boyfriend of infecting her.

“He is lying I am not the one who infected him with the disease. The time l started having unprotected sex with him that is when l started to have problems,” she said.

Chandiwana was admitted to a local hospital and the case is yet to be reported to the police.