PARALYSED COP FOOTS OWN MEDICAL BILLS

Officer has started fundraising

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

A POLICE officer who was left paralysed two years ago during a high-speed car chase on duty is now relying on fundraising to pay for his biokinetic therapy sessions, as rehabilitation is not covered by SAPS.

His plight has now reached the attention of National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, who has written to SAPS management for answers.

Cameron raised the matter as urgent during the meeting with the portfolio committee, in which he said Constable Ahzerian (Aziz) Esterhuizen had to fundraise to pay for biokineticist therapy sessions because SAPS has failed to cover or arrange the necessary rehabilitation.

“His required occupational therapist assessment has still not been scheduled, and no adapted equipment or workplace accommodations have been provided to assist him in his current administrative post,” said Cameron.

“We have now written formally to SAPS management requesting immediate scheduling of the outstanding occupational therapist assessment; full coverage or reimbursement of medical and rehabilitative costs; provision of assistive devices and adapted work conditions; a formal investigation into the lack of support post-incident; and fast-tracked resolution of his injury-on-duty claim with the Compensation Fund.