Karabus relieved at not guilty verdict

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Professor Cyril Karabus, who has been detained in Abu Dhabi. Photo: Supplied

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Cape Town - Professor Cyril Karabus is pleased and relieved at being found not guilty of the death of a three-year-old cancer patient in his care, he said on Friday he was

“It has been a long, difficult and trying journey,” he said in a statement.

“I look forward to returning to South Africa and to spending quality time with my family and friends.

“I hope that all the required processes will be finalised as soon as possible, and that I will be able to celebrate my birthday with my loved ones on 1 April in Cape Town.”

Karabus thanked his family, his legal teams in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, and the international governments, business, civil society and all the individuals who had supported him.

“I would like to thank the South African government, the embassy in Abu Dhabi and the minister of international relations... for their continuous efforts to ensure a positive outcome,” Karabus said.

“In particular, I would like to thank Deputy Minister Marius Fransman for the personal interest he took in my case.”

A UAE court acquitted Karabus on Thursday on charges of manslaughter and of falsifying documents.

It was reported on Friday that Karabus would have to wait before returning home, as the prosecution in the UAE has 14 days to appeal the ruling.

Karabus is an emeritus professor at the University of Cape Town and is a specialist paediatric oncologist.

He was charged and sentenced in absentia. On August 18, he was arrested in Dubai while in transit to South Africa from Toronto, Canada, where he had attended his son's wedding. - Sapa