Dr Michael Isabelle, a well-known medical practitioner in Dobsonville, Soweto, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at his practice in February 2024[1][3][4][5]. The incident occurred when three men entered the surgery under the pretense of seeking medical help for a friend. Once inside the consultation room, the suspects shot Dr Isabelle and stole two cellphones before fleeing the scene[1].
The doctor was rushed to a nearby clinic with gunshot wounds but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries[2]. Police investigations led to the arrest of two suspects at their homes in Alexandra, where stolen belongings and unlicensed firearms were found. The arrested suspects claimed that the third accomplice was shot by Dr Isabelle during the robbery and died as they were escaping; they allegedly disposed of his body and set fire to the stolen car[2].
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety strongly condemned the killing, describing the tragedy as unacceptable and a painful reminder of violence affecting healthcare professionals and residents. The Committee urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly bring all perpetrators to justice and expressed condolences to Dr Isabelle’s family[3][4].
Dr Isabelle was a beloved GP who had served the Dobsonville community for 25 years. He had previously survived another armed attack and had also lost his earlier practice to looting and arson during the 2021 riots[1]. Relatives described the family as devastated, and community leaders stressed the loss of a dedicated doctor who provided essential services under difficult circumstances[3].
References
- [1] Murdered Dobsonville GP had been attacked before (MedicalBrief)
- [2] Police arrest two suspects linked to the murder of Dobsonville (SAPS Newsroom)
- [3] Murder of Soweto Doctor Condemned (SAnews)
- [4] Committee statement on Dobsonville doctor robbery-turned-murder (GPL)
- [5] Doctor shot and killed during a robbery at his practice in Soweto (Power987)
Leave a Reply