Story highlights Malawian man says he takes part in the ritual despite his HIV-positive status

He was arrested after his confession sparked social media outrage

(CNN) A Malawian man who bragged about having sex with underage girls to initiate them into womanhood has been arrested, authorities say.

Eric Aniva sparked social media outrage last week when he told local and international media that families pay him to have sex with young girls to mark their passage from childhood into adulthood.

Parents hire him when the girls reach puberty as a form of ritual cleansing, he said.

One of many 'hyenas'

Aniva said men who get paid for such services are referred to as hyenas, adding that he's one of many in his community in southern Malawi.

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