A well-known Dobsonville doctor, Dr Michael Isabelle, was fatally shot during an armed robbery at his medical practice in Soweto in late February 2024. Despite previously surviving attacks and continuing to serve the community for 25 years, Dr Isabelle was killed when three men entered his surgery under the pretense of seeking medical help for a friend. Once inside the consulting room, they shot him and stole two cellphones before fleeing the scene[1].
According to police sources, Dr Isabelle was transported to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on February 27, 2024. The perpetrators initially escaped using a vehicle belonging to the doctor’s receptionist, which was later found burned in Alexandra[2]. One of the assailants was reportedly shot during the incident and later died[2].
Following a police investigation, two suspects, Gordon Matwetwe Muningi and Tebogo Thutlwa, were arrested on March 21 and remanded in custody. They appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court facing charges that include murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property, unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, as well as defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. Their case was postponed for further investigation[2][5][6].
The incident shocked the Dobsonville and broader Soweto communities. The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety condemned the murder as an “unacceptable and regrettable” event, emphasizing the toll that violent crime takes on vital professionals and the communities they serve[3][4]. The Committee called for unity against violence and mourned the loss of a doctor remembered for his generosity, dedication, and principle-driven work ethic[3].
References
- [1] Murdered Dobsonville GP had been attacked before – Medical Brief
- [2] Two men remanded in custody for murder of ‘much-loved’ Soweto doctor Michael Isabelle – IOL
- [3] Murder of Soweto doctor condemned | SAnews
- [4] Gauteng Provincial Legislature condemns murder of a medical doctor
- [5] Two men linked to the murder of Dr Michael Isabelle arrested
- [6] Police arrest two suspects linked to the murder of Dobsonville doctor
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