Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman paid a visit to the family of Professor Cyril Karabus in Cape Town on Thursday, where he briefed them on government's efforts to assist the professor.
Professor Karabus, a South African citizen who is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Cape Town and Specialist Paediatric Oncologist, has been in detention in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 19 August 2012 in connection with a case dating back to 2002/03. He is currently out on bail.
"The Department of International Relations and Cooperation [Dirco] has rendered extensive consular assistance to Professor Karabus and his family since August 2012.
"International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has written a letter to her UAE counterpart requesting that the UAE authorities deal with the case in an expeditious and fair manner as it is placing strain on the existing good relations between South Africa and the UAE in the field of medical cooperation.
"Furthermore, the UAE Ambassador to South Africa has been summoned by the department to express South Africa's concerns on the issue. The South African government has also called on the government of the UAE to expedite the matter and to bring it to finalisation as quickly as possible," said Dirco in a statement.
Fransman assured the Karabus family that the South African government was taking all the necessary steps to ensure that Professor Karabus received a fair and just trial, and that such efforts were taking place at a high level.
He stated that the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi continued to give consular services to Professor Karabus to the best of their ability.
Although it is not possible for South Africa to influence or interfere with the judicial process in another sovereign country, Fransman, however, stressed that government would remain seized with the matter until it was concluded.
He also encouraged the Karabus family to feel free to contact the department at any time for support and assistance.
"Professor Karabu's wife, Jenifer, and the family thanked the department for the support rendered to her husband and wished for a speedy resolution to the case and for Professor Karabus's return to South Africa to be with his family," said Dirco. - SAnews.gov.za
