Medical professionals are essential services – Jardine

Following his arrest, Dr Ivan Jardine said he has received what he described as heartfelt support from members of the community, the medical fraternity and even learners.

The Bedfordview-based ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist was arrested on July 16 between Park Meadows and Eastgate Shopping Centre.

He was arrested for breaking lockdown curfew more specifically contravening the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, failure of a person to remain confined between 21:00 and 04:00.
Although he was out after curfew Jardine was stopped by two police officers while on his way home from tending to a patient.

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“Earlier that day I had received a call from my cousin who told me my aunt was dehydrated and needed medical attention,” said Jardine.

His aunt, who is in her mid-80’s and lives in the West Rand needed an intravenous drip.

Jardine’s cousin had informed him that they could not find anyone else to assist.

“Anyone else in the same situation, doctor or not would do the same. They would not wait until the curfew was lifted to go help,” said Jardine.

Jardine said that when he was stopped by the officers, he was alone and was wearing scrubs.

He explained that although he had an older laminated permit from the first lockdown in his vehicle, however,

Jardine said it was not valid as it did not have his name on it.

“I did keep a permit in my car but I had my car cleaned a few days before the emergency and took everything out,” said Jardine.

When he asked police if he could take them to his offices, located nearby, to show and explain who he was Jardine was told by the offices that it is not their duty to go to his offices.

Once at Bedfordview Police Station Jardine was informed that his bail would be R2 000. Jardine told officers he did not have that amount on him at the time.

He said he was placed into a cell approximately three by four metres in size.

Jardine highlighted that cell had several occupants already in it, no space for social distancing, no proper ventilation and no form of sanitisation.

“None of the people who were detained with me was hardened criminals,” said Jardine.

He said they were individuals who happened to have broken curfew.

“The police took me off the streets to prevent the spread of Covid-19 but I could have contracted it in the cell.”

While in the cell Jardine had his phone for a portion of the time and communicated with friends and family to try and secure the bail money.

“Because of the curfew anyone else who travelled to the police station to bring my bail would also be arrested so I accepted that I would be there until the morning,” said Jardine.

One friend, Charlene Bender, offered to bring Jardine a blanket for the evening but was told she would be arrested upon her arrival for breaking curfew.

An attorney by the name of Bongani Luthuli had also offered to assist Jardine.

Jardine said he was released on July 17 when his friend Mark Maitland brought R1 000 bail.

He said there was no explanation as to why the bail was reduced.

Jardine’s first court appearance was on July 19 at Edenvale Magistrate’s Court, he was represented by his attorney Albert Huang.

The case was postponed to August 5 to allow for legal representation.

Although Jardine said he was never mistreated by the police he believes his arrest was unjustified.

“I believe more communication is needed between the security sector and the medical field,” explained Jardine.

He highlighted that both sectors are essential services that provide key services to the public.

Jardine thanked the community, his colleagues and friends for their support. He specifically thanked Daryl Hardy from Dare to Love and Past Clinton Barry.

The NEWS sought comment on the matter from the spokesperson of Bedfordview Police Station Capt André de Jager.

De Jager directed the NEWS to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza.
When the NEWS contacted Kweza on July 22 she said she was unable to comment on the matter as it was in court.

The NEWS sent an enquiry to the National Prosecuting Authority Requesting an update on the matter and whether medical professionals tending to emergencies needed permits on July 22.

The comment was requested by July 23 at 13:00, at the time of going to print comment was not received.

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,  or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za