'Throw Basson to wolves'

20 January 2015 - 02:08 By Sipho Masombuka
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Dr Wouter Basson
Dr Wouter Basson
Image: Sydney Seshibedi

A senior academic yesterday testified that Dr Wouter Basson should receive the harshest possible ruling so as to protect the ethics of the medical profession.

UCT professor in clinical pharmacology Marc Blockman told the Health Professions Council of SA: "It is incumbent that a firm stance is taken as it will reflect adversely on the profession if it is not done."

Blockman, the chairman of the university's human research ethics committee, said clemency would undermine the council's duty to patients, the public and human rights.

He added that Basson had demonstrated no respect for his profession, nor any remorse for his role as head of the apartheid regime's chemical and biological warfare programme, code-named Project Coast, in the 1980s.

The programme manufactured Mandrax, cocaine and teargas in huge quantities. It also developed teargas-filled mortars for Unita to use in Angola. Basson was also found guilty of providing disorientating substances for cross-border kidnapping and making cyanide capsules available for distribution.

Though he was acquitted of these charges in a criminal trial, Basson was found guilty of them by the health council and stands to lose his licence as a practising cardiologist.

Testimony was delayed earlier yesterday when Basson filed for an urgent court order to halt the sentencing proceedings.

His advocate, Jaap Cilliers, questioned the impartiality of the chairman of the council's professional conduct committee, Jannie Hugo.

He said Hugo was a member of the SA Medical Association, one of the organisations that signed a petition calling for Basson's removal from the roll of medical practitioners.

Cilliers wanted the matter to stand down until Hugo had disclosed his membership and walked out when Hugo ruled against the postponement.

Cilliers, Basson and two legal team members headed to the high court to apply for an interdict.

Pretoria High Court Judge Selby Baqwa granted the interim order, pending the finalisation of the application. The application will be heard tomorrow.

The hearing, held in Pretoria, had been booked until Friday.

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