A decision not to prosecute the maker of a herbal medication said to cure Aids will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.
DA spokesperson on health Dianne Kohler-Barnard said in a statement that she will refer the matter to the provincial head of the NPA, Shamilla Batoyi.
This came after a Pinetown senior public prosecutor, Jabu Ngobo, decided not to prosecute Zeblon Gwala, who makes and sells Ubhejane, a herbal concoction said to cure HIV/Aids.
”The DA at the beginning of March laid charges of fraud and of contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act against Mr Gwala with the SAPS [South African Police Service] in Pinetown,” Kohler-Barnard said.
She said that Ngobo refused to explain why he decided not to prosecute Gwala.
”I note that Mr Ngobo was more forthcoming with a journalist. He is quoted … as saying that ‘there was not enough evidence to prosecute’.”
She said the party is convinced that it has provided all the necessary material to assure a successful prosecution.
Gwala should not be allowed to make money from the desperation of South Africans who are HIV-positive.
She said people living with HIV/Aids should not be enticed to stop taking medication that has been tested and properly registered. — Sapa