Hell driver doctor suspended
A medical doctor employed at the Otjiwarongo State Hospital has been forced to take leave after a video went viral allegedly showing him driving recklessly and dangerously on the road between Otjiwarongo and Okahandja.
In the cellphone video recorded last Thursday, a Mercedes-Benz is seen swerving dangerously into the oncoming lane and driving in it. An oncoming truck was even forced off the road and several lives were put in danger.
The car is also seen leaving the road before being steered back, as oncoming traffic approaches.
This past Friday, Dr Yevai Chiradza was issued with a letter from the health ministry in which it forced him to take leave for an unspecified period of time. “In reference to the video on social media and your previous incidences concerning substance abuse, this office on the directive from the permanent secretary is requesting you to take vacation leave for an unspecified period until further notice,” the letter says.
The letter further requested Chiradza not to enter any ministry health facility or attend to any patient-related duties. It was also circulated on several media platforms.
Acting health permanent secretary Petronella Masabane told Namibian Sun yesterday the matter is a staff issue and that she is therefore not going to comment.
However Nampa reported that acting Otjozondjupa health director, Frieda Stefanus, on confirmed issuing the letter asking him to take leave.
Chiradza was not arrested as there was no alcohol found in his blood.
It is understood he was apprehended in Otjiwarongo after traffic and Nampol officials were contacted.
He is allegedly a controlled substance abuser. The matter is being dealt with by law-enforcement and it was reported that the police's traffic sub-divisional head in Otjozondjupa is busy obtaining statements from witnesses in order to formulate a charge against the doctor.
Otjozondjupa's traffic coordinator, Inspector Joseph Severus, confirmed the doctor was charged with negligent and reckless driving, but said he was not arrested.
He said no alcohol or other substances were found in his blood.
Otjizondjupa Nampol Deputy Commissioner, Katrina Andreas, told Namibian Sun she was unable to provide any details on the matter and that the newspaper must contact her on Monday.
She was not willing to confirm whether there were any charges laid or whether the driver was arrested.
ELLANIE SMIT
In the cellphone video recorded last Thursday, a Mercedes-Benz is seen swerving dangerously into the oncoming lane and driving in it. An oncoming truck was even forced off the road and several lives were put in danger.
The car is also seen leaving the road before being steered back, as oncoming traffic approaches.
This past Friday, Dr Yevai Chiradza was issued with a letter from the health ministry in which it forced him to take leave for an unspecified period of time. “In reference to the video on social media and your previous incidences concerning substance abuse, this office on the directive from the permanent secretary is requesting you to take vacation leave for an unspecified period until further notice,” the letter says.
The letter further requested Chiradza not to enter any ministry health facility or attend to any patient-related duties. It was also circulated on several media platforms.
Acting health permanent secretary Petronella Masabane told Namibian Sun yesterday the matter is a staff issue and that she is therefore not going to comment.
However Nampa reported that acting Otjozondjupa health director, Frieda Stefanus, on confirmed issuing the letter asking him to take leave.
Chiradza was not arrested as there was no alcohol found in his blood.
It is understood he was apprehended in Otjiwarongo after traffic and Nampol officials were contacted.
He is allegedly a controlled substance abuser. The matter is being dealt with by law-enforcement and it was reported that the police's traffic sub-divisional head in Otjozondjupa is busy obtaining statements from witnesses in order to formulate a charge against the doctor.
Otjozondjupa's traffic coordinator, Inspector Joseph Severus, confirmed the doctor was charged with negligent and reckless driving, but said he was not arrested.
He said no alcohol or other substances were found in his blood.
Otjizondjupa Nampol Deputy Commissioner, Katrina Andreas, told Namibian Sun she was unable to provide any details on the matter and that the newspaper must contact her on Monday.
She was not willing to confirm whether there were any charges laid or whether the driver was arrested.
ELLANIE SMIT
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