Johannesburg - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has lost its appeal against the acquittal of South African doctor Cyril Karabus, the department of international relations and co-operation said on Wednesday.
“Our mission in the UAE informed us that the appeal judge rejected the appeal lodged yesterday (Tuesday), ahead of it being heard,” said spokesman Nelson Kgwete.
“This is an encouraging sign, because it means the professor is one day closer to coming home and being reunited with his family in South Africa.”
Kgwete said the prosecution had the right to lodge a second appeal, but had not indicated whether it would.
The 78-year-old South African paediatric oncologist has been detained in the UAE since August 18, after being sentenced in absentia for the death of a Yemeni girl he treated for leukaemia in 2002.
He was acquitted on March 21, but was not allowed to leave the country pending the appeal. - Sapa