Dr Nicholas Procter’s family mourns a promising career cut short
As the medical community mourns the death of Mbombela anaesthetist Dr Nicholas Procter, his family has shared the poignant journey of his career, highlighting his determination and dedication.
On February 8, the family of Mbombela anaesthetist Dr Nicholas Procter made a visit to Mediclinic Nelspruit where he had worked since 2019.
Procter’s father, Malcolm, stepfather, Jacob Vorster, and brother, Graeme, made the trip early on Thursday morning.
Malcolm expressed sorrow over Nicholas’s passing, stating: “It is such a waste. He was only starting his career and could have contributed so much to his family, friends and the community.” He highlighted Nicholas’s determination to become a doctor, a dream he passionately pursued.
Vorster shared Nicholas’s journey, mentioning that after matric, he had initially studied BCom business management at the University of the Free State before eventually gaining acceptance into medical studies. Nicholas completed his community service and ‘Zuma year’ (a year in which one works for the state) at Rob Ferreira Hospital, returned to the Free State to pursue anaesthesiology, and later settled in Mbombela until his untimely death.
Also read: Three accused of Dr Nicholas Procter’s murder appear in Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court
Nicholas, an associate of Nelanest Anaesthetic Association at Mediclinic Nelspruit, was first reported missing when he failed to show up for work February 1. His charcoal Land Rover Discovery was found later that morning, parked on the bridge near the Elawani Lifestyle Estate, on Wildberry Boulevard.
The local authorities, emergency medial services and security companies immediately launched a search for the doctor. The search was called off at about 12:00, but resumed in other parts of Mbombela. Information led the police, White River Flying Squad and AG Solutions to Green Valley Estate. It was in a flat, used as a vacation rental unit, that Nicholas’s body was found. His hands and feet were tied. Emer-G-Med declared him dead at 16:28.
Nicholas would have turned 40 on February 23.
During January, he travelled extensively, visiting Mossel Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Town to spend time with friends and family.
Also read: Lowveld community outraged and devastated at Mbombela anaesthetist’s murder
Malcolm noted that it seemed as though Nicholas had sensed his time was coming to an end. He and Graeme travelled over 1 780km to attend Nicholas’s celebration of life at Church Unlimited on Friday February 09 at 10:00.
Malcolm remarked that Nicholas’s birth in Barberton made his passing in Mbombela feel like a homecoming.
The accused have been identified as Bheki Ndlovu (38), Nkateko Tshidzumba (24) and Siyabonga Kekana (20). During their court appearance on February 7, the state mentioned that a fourth suspect is still being sought. The matter has been postponed to February 14 for a bail application, which the state intends to oppose. Vorster confirmed his intention to attend the bail hearing.
