Doctor makes u-turn on ‘hypertension’ finding in Zurenah Smit’s trial

THE general practitioner who issued a sick note to accused husband killer Zurenah Smit following a six-minute telephonic consultation has recanted his findings in which he booked her off for a week for hypertension.

- CHEVON BOOYSEN

Dr Imraan Shaikh confirmed to the court that he had not had a physical consultation with Smit but instead, after his patient had been discharged from Victoria Hospital following a three-day stay, he did a telephonic consultation.

Dr Shaikh told the court that he received a call from Smit at 4.30pm requesting for a house call which he could not accommodate. They agreed on a telephonic consultation which was conducted for approximately six minutes.

The doctor, who shares medical insights via his social media platforms, confirmed that he does telephonic and virtual consultations.

Added to this, the matter has now hit another delay as Smit's counsel, Susan Kuun, submitted Smit was not “feeling well" but attended court due to a warrant of arrest which could be enforced if she does not appear in court as per her bail conditions.

Probed about Smit's consultation on November 16, Dr Shaikh said he was told by Smit of her hospital stay and she described symptoms to him including weakness in her right side, slurred speech and that she had allegedly collapsed while at Victoria Hospital, which he said alluded to a mini-stroke.