ARVs killed my girlfriend, says Botswana murder accused

A Botswana murder-accused has blamed HIV drugs for his girlfriend's death, according to a report on Tuesday.

The privately owned Mmegi reported that Mompoloki Mathape, 34, was alleged to have murdered his girlfriend in Kgaphamadi village following a misunderstanding.

"I told the police that the deceased was killed by ARVs (anti-retroviral drugs) that she was taking. Everyone in Kgaphamadi knows that. I never killed her," Mathape told the Francistown court in northern Botswana.

The accused stated that he was the one who led the police to the scene where the woman died. He added he did not tamper with evidence as the police claimed.

Prosecutor Wedu Mbongwe argued he had to remain in custody to allow investigations to be completed.

"We fear that he might tamper with investigations. Also, members of the community may harm him as they were angered with the incident," said Mbongwe.

Mbongwe told the court that Mathape should be remanded for two weeks before he could be considered for bail.

Senior Magistrate Thebeetsile Mulalu agreed and remanded him in custody until his next court appearance on February 26.