Malawian Woman Arrested for Selling Fake HIV/AIDS Cure on TikTok
According to Mangochi Police spokesperson Inspector Amina Daudi, several HIV patients who were misled by Julius's claims reported her to the police.
MANGOCHI, Malawi — Malawian police arrested Mary Julius, 25, on Sunday for allegedly selling a fake HIV/AIDS cure and illegally possessing medical drugs, writes Francis Banda.
Julius, known as "Gammora" on TikTok, is accused of advertising and selling Gentamicin injection as an HIV/AIDS cure for 120,000 Malawian kwacha (about $268) per three-bottle dose.
Modus Operandi and Public Reports:
According to Mangochi Police spokesperson Inspector Amina Daudi, several HIV patients who were misled by Julius's claims reported her to the police.
Investigations revealed that Julius purchased Gentamicin from pharmacies, removed the original labels, and rebranded them with "Gammora" stickers.
Police Action and Charges:
A joint operation involving Mangochi Police, the National Police Headquarters' Drug Section, and officials from the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority apprehended Julius at the Abuja Bus Depot.
Police seized Gentamicin bottles and "Gammora" stickers from her house. The medicine is undergoing laboratory testing.
Julius is charged with:
Possession of unlicensed medical drugs
Theft
She is expected to appear in court soon after the investigation is complete.
Julius is from Kalonga Village, Traditional Authority Mponda, in Mangochi District.
Gentamicin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections. It is not a cure for HIV/AIDS.