*This story has been amended.

PROTESTERS clad in uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party regalia gathered outside the Life Healthcare Westville Hospital on Monday to demand that Dr Ntando Peaceman Duze be immediately reinstated.

Duze is being investigated by the Health Professionals Council of SA (HPCSA) and the hospital for alleged malpractice. Allegations include claims that the cardiologist performed unnecessary surgical procedures, like inserting stents on patients who claim they did not require it.

In June this year, Life Healthcare confirmed having been informed of the investigations by the HPCSA. The hospital responded by conducting an internal review of its own. At the time, the hospital declined to provide further details to the media as their investigation was still pending.

They did, at the time, clarify that Duze is not an employee of the group, but an independent healthcare practitioner who may have patients admitted to the hospital.

Today, Highway Mail probed the hospital for comment in response to the protesters’ claims that investigations into Duze are the result of racism and prejudice. They also alleged that it was sparked by jealousy from at least one other doctor, and that Duze had not been given enough time to relocate his patients as he had only three days notice before having to vacate his practice.*

Also read: Health Council’s probe of Dr at Westville hospital at advanced stage

One of the protesters, Sandile Sishi, who said Duze had in the past treated their family members, expressed his support of the cardiologist.

“We want justice, we want Dr Duze to be reinstated immediately,” said Sishi. He questioned the peer review process that reportedly preceded Duze’s dismissal pending further investigation.

Recently, the Pietermaritzburg High Court ruled in favour of TV show Carte Blanche, effectively removing an interim interdict which had prevented the airing of a segment about the doctor, which has since been broadcast.

Sishi alleged that the broadcast was a result of “a gang of doctors who are against one man”, and that all that was aired is not trusted by Duze’s supporters.

“We will only listen to the HPCSA,” said Sishi.

Also read: Doctor at Westville hospital being investigated for malpractice

“It is because he is black and runs a successful practice,” said his practice manager, Zandi Madikizela, who demanded proof of the allegations against him.

“Dr Duze has saved countless lives; he is in the ward from dusk till dawn,” said Madikizela.

She also alleged that another doctor at the hospital had urged patients to lodge complaints against Duze. In her opinion and the opinion of the protesters, Duze has done no wrong.

Madikizela added that a case has been opened against the doctor accused of pressuring patients to file complaints against Duze. This was confirmed by KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

In response to previous media queries from various publications, Life Healthcare indicated that it could not comment on the allegations as investigations were still pending. Highway Mail has, however, provided the group with the newly aired allegations and will update this article with their response as soon as it becomes available.

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