Mt Hampden Man Pleads for Help After Contracting Incurable STI From Church-Linked Sex Encounter

“Mjolo haubhadhare — I think I am staring death in the face,” says a 25-year-old man from Mt Hampden whose life has spiraled into pain and isolation after contracting a s€xu@lly transmitted infection (STI) he believes is incurable.

The infection followed a single encounter with a s€x worker, one he says was arranged by fellow churchgoers who pressured him to “act like a man.”

It all began on 28 May last year, when he visited fellow church members to charge his mobile phone — unaware that the visit would lead to a life-altering decision.

While there, the group urged him to prove his manhood by sleeping with women.

“They told me I needed to prove I am a man. They introduced me to a woman who sells her body here in Mt Hampden, and I slept with her,” he said.

Almost immediately after the encounter, symptoms began to show.

“My private parts started itching, burning, and feeling like they were being stabbed. The condition worsened over time.

“I went to our pastor for prayers, but nothing changed,” he explained.

As days passed, the pain intensified.

He began discharging a foul-smelling fluid and experienced difficulty during bowel movements.

“I had to quit my job because of severe back pain.Sometimes I cannot sleep or sit properly.

“Walking is now a struggle. I tie a cloth around my waist to ease the pain,” he said.

His entire body — including his head and neck is constantly in pain.

Despite receiving medication and injections funded by his parents, the illness persisted.

“My parents think I am healed, but I told them the illness is still there. They no longer have money to help me, and clinics and hospitals keep asking for fees I cannot afford,” he said.

He suspects he may have contracted herpes, a lifelong STI.

“My private parts swell, develop sores, and discharge fluid. Sometimes I cannot urinate properly because of the pain.

“I need help. Anyone willing to assist can call me on 0771 455 304,” he pleaded.

He says he later confronted the woman he believes infected him, but she fled the area.

“I have heard that the woman who infected me has ruined many young men’s lives.

“My warning to young people is that mjolo haubhadhare. I feel like I am staring death in the face,” he said.

He says his church has remained silent, and no one there is aware of his condition.

“I am crying out to the public for help. Our pastor has remained silent, and no one at church knows what I am going through,” he said.

-Kwayedza