Gender/Violence Against Women/HIV/AIDS
Independent-on-Line, 23 October 2002, Cabinet approves HIV tests for sex crimes

Draft legislation providing for the compulsory testing of alleged sexual offenders for HIV/Aids was formally approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.

The Compulsory HIV Testing of Alleged Sexual Offenders Bill provides for a speedy and uncomplicated mechanism for victims of sexual offences to apply for the alleged perpetrator to be tested for HIV, and the results disclosed.

Briefing the media after the fortnightly Cabinet meeting at Tuynhuys at Parliament, government communications head Joel Netshitenzhe said the measure would be tabled in Parliament soon.

Other bills approved at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting included the Special Pensions Amendment Bill, and the Government Employees Pension Fund Increase (Members of Non-Statutory Forces) Bill.

These bills provided for full recognition of previous service of former NSF members, and would correct anomalies in their pension payments in this regard, he said. - Sapa