Cape Town - Never in a million years did the son of Cape Town’s Professor Cyril Karabus imagine that his father would be detained for manslaughter thousands of kilometres from home.
“It’s unbelievable and difficult to comprehend what has happened in the last few weeks,” Michael Karabus told the Cape Argus on Thursday. “I am shocked and fearful for him and for us.”
Michael spoke to the Cape Argus about his father’s imprisonment in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi Central Prison, on charges of manslaughter.
Karabus, 77, of Claremont, was arrested on August 18, while in transit in Dubai to SA, from his son’s wedding in Toronto, Canada.
Michael, 33, said the wedding day was more of a family reunion as this was the first day in years that all five siblings were together in one country with their parents.
“It was a jovial event, we were all happy to be together. Having the trip end like this was terrible,” he said.
Karabus was detained at the Dubai airport while travelling with his wife and daughter. He was only allowed to keep his toothbrush and the clothes on his back. The rest of his luggage was brought home by his wife.
Karabus specialises in paediatrics and medical oncology. He is a former professor of paediatrics at UCT and also headed the oncology and haematology unit at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
While working as a locum – for about six weeks – 12 years ago at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, he operated on a three-year-old cancer patient who later died of leukaemia.
In his absence he was tried and found guilty of manslaughter.
“Knowing my dad, if he was informed about the charges, he wouldn’t have fled the country. He would have wanted to stay to defend himself and the reputation he has spent a lifetime building… a reputation that’s been tarnished in one day,” Michael said.
“It’s very strange that no one tried to contact him all this time and we are getting little information about why the effort wasn’t made. Before he left he did the official required handover with the doctor who was taking over from him. It’s surprising that no one picked up any wrong doing then.”
Karabus is also charged with forging official documents. For both charges he faces three years and six months in jail. So far he has been denied bail three times. His next trial is set for next Wednesday, October 3.
Karabus is being represented by a local law firm.
“They are struggling to get him bail. If he does get it he will have to stay in Abu Dhabi for the duration which might take a year,” Michael said.
“He will be better off outside prison, and then we can be sure he is taken care of. Even though he is getting all his medical supplies and food, at the end of the day it’s a prison… It’s not a good place for his health.”
Karabus, who has a pacemaker for his heart, is being kept in the jail’s hospital wing because of his medical needs.
Michael and his mother have spent a week with his father in Abu Dhabi.
“It was difficult seeing him in a prison jumpsuit, behind a glass and talking to him through a transmitter. He is well respected in the medical field around the world… its ludicrous that he is in this situation,” he said.
Michael said his father was sharing the hospital wing with 12 other prisoners.
“As an academic, his life revolves around doing research and applying his mind. He is keeping himself occupied by playing chess and reading, to keep his mind fresh and occupied,” he said.
At prison they were allowed to visit from 10am to 2pm. They brought him books and newspapers.
“He looked healthy and strong considering what he is going through. We are worried about the strain and stress that might be affecting his fragile heart. It’s not a place he should be in,” he said.
Michael said the legal team were trying to obtain the deceased patient’s medical file to familiarise themselves with the matter. “There is a lot of red tape to get through. Although we are very frustrated we realise we have to respect the way they do things.”
He said the family had received “overwhelming” support from around the world, from his father’s former patients and students he had trained.
“He has been practising medicine for over 50 years, has trained thousands of students and has made a continuous contribution to the SA medical industry. People around the world are shocked at what has happened.”
A Facebook page titled “Prof Cyril Karabus” has been opened to rally support for a petition on www.avaaz.org. It has attracted 8 298 signatures.
Cape Argus