Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - January 15 l999
Thokozani Mtshali

The police believe the rumours were started by people who are jealous of Dr Phillip Pretorious's thriving private practice.

Pretorious (50) has laid a charge of crimen injuria. He has lost about 90% of his patients since the rumours began in November last year. "Most people are afraid to make an appointment with me," he said.

"Some of my patients came to tell me in November there were people in this town who were telling people that I infect my patients with HIV. I didn't take it seriously at first."

Pretorious went to Pretoria for two weeks, and when he returned discovered the allegation had spread to all the corners of Piet Retief and neighbouring areas.

"Then, it was clear to me that whoever is behind this knows what he or she is doing. It's well planned. They knew that each year I close for the December vacation. But this time I went to Pretoria for an operation and on my return rumours had been spread that I was arrested. I realised this was bigger than I thought and I laid the charge with the police," said Pretorious.

Piet Retief has 13 doctors, of whom eight have private practices. Investigating officer Dols Olmesdahl said there is no prime suspect at the moment. But Olmesdahl hinted at the possibility that a smear campaign is being conducted by some of Pretorious's competitors. "The way the rumours have spread so fast, it seems they know how the `bush telegraph' works," he said.

Although Pretorious was reluctant to speculate on the origins and motive for the rumours, he insisted they could not be politically or racially motivated. "I started my practice in 1977 and my history speaks for itself. My practice reflects the entire population.

"This makes my heart sore. My patients are at stake, I never thought I had enemies. This could have more devastating effects than just to demonise me. Such malicious deeds are dangerous because they compromise the entire medical profession. People with diarrhoea, pneumonia or other illnesses could be afraid to consult certain doctors due to such rumours and they could eventually die."

Another Piet Retief private practitioner, Dr Smangaliso Mathenjwa, said he also suspects other doctors are behind the allegations. Mathenjwa said the rumours are neither substantive nor scientific because it takes a minimum of three months to see if someone is HIV-positive.

"At this stage, not even a single person has come out. I was surprised when the town mayor came to ask me about these allegations. He was afraid because his wife is one of Pretorious's patients," Mathenjwa said.

"The mayor told me that part of the allegations was that one patient came to me and I sent him to Trichard and on arrival there, the patient was found to be HIV-positive. But I have never sent anyone to Trichard. And how would they know the HIV-infected blood was injected by Pretorious?" he asked.

Mathenjwa also fears that the rumours will impact on the entire medical profession. "If someone hates you, he will accuse you of unethical practice. These rumours have spread to all residents - blacks and whites - it has spread to mines and surrounding areas."

Piet Retief's mayor, Andries Gamede, was not available for comment, but his wife confirmed he had met with Pretorious and was satisfied that the allegations are untrue.

The Medical Association of South Africa's legal representative, Braam Volschenk, said his organisation is prepared to help Pretorious clear his name. He agreed that such rumours are capable of compromising and tainting the image of all doctors. "But, if Pretorious is fortunate and the perpetrators are arrested, we will definitely provide him legal assistance," said Volschenk.
990115
MG990102

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .