Pretoria - The South African government says the matter involving Professor Cyril Karabus must be brought to a speedy conclusion so that he can finally be reunited with his family.
“Whilst respecting the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including its legal and administrative processes, the South African government believes that the matter must be brought to a speedy conclusion so that the Professor can finally be reunited with his family,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said on Thursday.
The call comes as the Abu Dhabi prison authorities are in possession of Professor Karabus's passport, and must first clear his name from a database before his passport can be returned.
The process to have his passport released is currently being processed, the department said.
Karabus was convicted and sentenced to three years in absentia on charges of manslaughter and falsifying documents after the unfortunate death of a young leukaemia patient he treated in Abu Dhabi 11 years ago.
A University of Cape Town emeritus professor and retired paediatric oncologist, Karabus has been in detention in the UAE since August last year, after he was arrested in Dubai while in transit.
Last week, a UAE judge turned down an appeal against Karabus’s acquittal last month, which cleared him of all charges of brought against him.
Dirco said the South African Embassy in Abu Dhabi continues to render consular assistance to Karabus and his family and is communicating with the UAE authorities to expedite the matter. - SAnews.gov.za
