Numerous patients seeking medical help from Dr Michael Isabelle on Tuesday were turned away as they did not know their doctor was gunned down at his Dobsonville, Soweto, surgery on Monday.
Assailants shot Isabelle on Monday afternoon after entering his premises under the pretext of seeking medical help for one of them.
Dr Isabelle was with his office clerk and a patient when the assailants entered his surgery.
“We were told that they got inside the office and demanded money, and he was the only person they attacked. They locked the patient inside the bathroom before shooting the doctor,” the neighbour said.
“He was shot between 2pm and 3pm, and the ambulance and the police arrived at 5pm. He was still alive when he was taken to Tshepo Themba Hospital [also in Dobsonville] where he died,” the neighbour said.
On Tuesday, one of his regular patients stood frozen with horror at the surgery’s gate after hearing about Isabelle’s murder.
“He was such a good guy. Dr Isabelle was a darling of the community, he was our family doctor. The manner in which they took his life is senseless,” said the patient.
SA is mafia country
The neighbour continued: “We live in a mafia country! How can a person who loved and served this community be killed in such a ruthless manner? Three people who worked for the doctor have lost their jobs now because he is no more.”
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the case of murder following the death of Isabelle after he was shot.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that, three suspects entered the surgery under the pretence of needing the doctor’s medical assistance for their friend. Once the receptionist let them inside the consultation room, they reportedly shot the doctor. They stole two cellphones before fleeing the scene,” said Nevhuhulwi.
“No arrests have been made, and police are still searching for the suspects.”
