Brutal attack on eye surgeon: News24: SouthAfrica: News

Acid0 12/15/2009 7:52:47 AM

They must keep this up one of these days all the specialists is out of the country and what will we have left........

To the family we hope you have a speedy recovery

SJC 12/15/2009 7:57:27 AM

The SAPS are the biggest problem in crime today. Welcome world cup tourists, you are going to end up in the same way!! Incompetence is not the right word to describe the police, the are slapgat, pathetic!!!!

Louis 12/15/2009 7:58:55 AM

This is how thye are cystematicaly killing and chasing away the white people with the approval of the goverment same started with the hollowcast

ZAMaartens 12/15/2009 8:05:09 AM

This brutality in horrendous! No doubt the attackers did not even know they were mutilating a man who had spent his life giving sight to innumerable people. My deepest sympathies are with him and his wife and family.

Kobus van Wyk 12/15/2009 8:07:31 AM

Scum of the earth, I hope these attackers die in their own blood. South Africa has become the laughing stock of the world. What a pity.

BT 12/15/2009 8:09:54 AM

I am afraid we live amongst a bunch of barbaric savages, who are unable to adjust to living in the 21st century due to being evolutionary challenged. "Things" like this should not even go to jail, but rather be put up against a wall and shot. Even this will be too "humane" for this filth we call humans!!

ANN GILDER 12/15/2009 8:10:42 AM

THIS MAKES ME SICK TO THE BOTTOM OF MY STOMACH. WHAT ARE OUR ILLUSTRIOUS POLICE DOING, PUSHING A PEN AROUND BEHIND A DESK AND PICKING THEIR TEETH? GET OUT THERE AND FIND THESE ANIMALS, PUT THEM UP AGAINST A WALL AND SHOOT THEM!!

Xram62 12/15/2009 8:12:55 AM

This is the doctor who prescribed my first pair of glasses in 1975. He's a pioneer of many procedures brought to South Africa to improve the eye-sight of thousands of people. This is crying shame....

Will Oosthuizen, North Carolina, USA 12/15/2009 8:14:26 AM

Who is Police Commisioner Cele trying to fool by stating that the Police are serious about combating crime? Last week a woman raped at her home near Pretoria had not been interviewed by the police, and now the same situation is repeated in this case! This is appalling and tragic, as it seems like politicians and Commisioner Cele think speeches instead of action on the ground will make any significant difference. Is this what is awaiting the thousands expected to attend the 2010 World Cup, or is it that the police will focus only on international travellers at the tragic expense of the local victims of crime? Quo Vadis South Africa as the criminals once again get away with their criminal actions.....

aKuma 12/15/2009 8:15:00 AM

Ah my favourite line from crime articles rears its ugly ahead again... "No arrests have been made"

Anna 12/15/2009 8:15:29 AM

Mr Pretorius I hope you recover well and speedily. What is going on in this country and why aren't the police more active? I am horrified and they think the soccer next year is going to go smoothly? Let me tell you now, after the world cup the world will now exactly what we have to put up with here!!! God help us!

Johan 12/15/2009 8:18:58 AM

Unfortunately this country will always be tainted with the existince of creatures that i will not address as animals for fear of insulting all the beautiful creatures in this land. You people do not deserve to breathe in the oxygen that you do, you deserve nothing, you are cowards you always have been and you always will be. I hope the whole world takes note of these events so that they too can see you disgusting, foul, inhuman, pathetic, cowardous pigs for what you are

bev 12/15/2009 8:19:05 AM

I hope when they catch these morons that their punishment is an eye for and eye. Crime is getting more and more violent especially against older people. These are criminals with no morals or conscience and I for one hope that their punishment is severe. Not that it will help Mr and Mrs Pretorius but maybe some other people will not have to suffer at their hands. A speedy recovery to the Pretorius family.

Warren Staniforth 12/15/2009 8:20:59 AM

Yesterday I saw someone getting knocked over, I phoned 10111 and was put on hold, 20 minutes later it was answered and the woman on the other end couldent care and couldent understand english very well, also took an age to take the call when in the first 20 seconds she already had the intersection and detail as to what had happened. I'm pretty certain the fellow who was run over never made it.

Disgusting, Im outta here. Cheers.

benita 12/15/2009 8:21:17 AM

We live is a sick country and if something drastic does not happen, we won't be able to survive. May God help us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These guys that did this, are not human and need to be killed. We cannot afford people like them around. They do not contribute to make this a better place. Crime cannot be stopped and with the 2010 world cup coming up, the news spread to other countries may influance decisions not to come to SA.
We need to turn back to our source that this country may be healed. Prayers only won't help, but turn back to GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Richmond 12/15/2009 8:23:03 AM

I've read several articles of crime occuring in the Vaal. It seems crime is on the rise in this area. I think it's time that the government review returning dead sentence by opening a referendum to hear views of the public to get rid of such monsters from the beautiful South Africa. I sympathize with the Pretorius and pray for their speedily recovery.

Kaas 12/15/2009 8:27:51 AM

My greatest sympathy to Dr Pretorius and his wife!!!! I believe that you will get well soon and will be able to see 100%. Miracles do happen.
To the savages that did this. (Not that they will read this) I pray that you get an encounter with our trigger happy police and that they shoot the #$%% out of you.

Manie Maritz 12/15/2009 8:32:00 AM

What is new. Dr. Pretoruis wasn't even interviewed by the police. Nothing will happen with this case

DISGUSTING! 12/15/2009 8:32:05 AM

Why don't they do anything?
It's subtle genocide my friends!
Be very very carefull!

Ellen 12/15/2009 8:36:24 AM

My thoughts and prayers to Dr. Pretorius and his wife. I sincerely hope that they recover fully.

What a sorry state of affairs. These armed "men", struggle to call them men because it is an insult to the real men of our country, are cowards. Treating people, and elderly people that cannot defend themselves at that, treating them like one would not even treat an animal. Why was it necessary for them to do this?

Wendy 12/15/2009 8:38:25 AM

This is disgusting, my heartfelt sympathy to the family, crime is now out of control, people who did this should be hung!

Theunis Greyvensteyn 12/15/2009 8:41:54 AM

I`m so sick of these barbaric attacks. This man is 70 years old for crying out loud! It takes a real strong "man" to subdue and torture a 70 year old man. When will this stop?

Joe 12/15/2009 8:44:02 AM

Catch these guys and amputate their arms, and take thier eyeballs out !

Eric Hamner 12/15/2009 8:44:23 AM

My heart goes out to Dr Pretorius.

Dear MR Zuma (a real president you are not) IF these sadists are caught make sure the NPA review the file and presents it to you to decide whether to prosecute - will you then be able to make a proper decison?

bren 12/15/2009 8:45:42 AM

I wonder how much longer we can go on like this?

sid 2k 12/15/2009 8:46:11 AM

Y do always have 2 blame the police whenever it sits us? For crying out loud the man was still in agony, which might have rendered the interview with him by the police impossible. We know the man is of the high profile but every case should be a priority case because we all deserve the right safety not only certain 'members' of the society

Jan Grobbelaar 12/15/2009 8:46:15 AM

The extreme brutality of the violent crime in South Africa remains staggeringly shocking! As a recipient of two cornea transplants (from another surgeon), I find this especially tragic. To do this to a person who spent his life to improve the vision of his fellow men is an indescribable crime beyond comprehension. The perpetrators do not deserve to be called "human" and should be exterminated like you would cockroaches - they are below animals. What kind of society has South Africa become? Unfortunately, the South African government effectively condones crime by not doing anything about it. My advice to you is to vote with your feet and get the hell out of there while you can. I thank God that I could get my family and children to civilization - there is no future in South Africa, if you have any ambition to die a natural death one day.

Mondz 12/15/2009 8:48:30 AM

My prayers and sympathy go out to the couple so severely traumatised by this cowardly attack. My prayer is that God will intervene and these cowards will have to face the judgment of an Almighty God soon! May this be a warning to all those coming to this country for the "World Cup Chaos"!

Neville 12/15/2009 8:50:39 AM

Criminals like these are animals and should be executed in public

Jack Kukard 12/15/2009 8:55:45 AM

I they did this to my parents , who are 84 and 76 i would hunt them down and kill them . They not worth the air that they breathe.

Jude 12/15/2009 8:55:48 AM

Ironic how this poor eye-surgeon is now the one needing help with his eyes - let's hope the international community will assist him to regain his vision and perhaps safe haven in a country where one is safe in one's own home. A curse on the perpetrator and his children that they will have eye problems and need a good eye-surgeon one day ... only to find thanks to this new level of brutality, there are none left in SA. I will pray that your eyes recover Marius! When the general populace evolves enough to develop a conscience, we may finally find peace in SA ...

Ockert 12/15/2009 9:04:29 AM

The police force in Vereeniging are visable at shopping complexes with their families buying groceries, or at road blocks inspecting cars (of soft targets only) for licences and seat belts. Further they drive around with several passengers ( ? Plain Clothes ? - kids and women )

Kanga 12/15/2009 9:05:22 AM

This is where the saying "an eye for an eye" MUST be implemented. These sicks dogs must have done to them what they did to this defenceless pensioner.

Mike 12/15/2009 9:05:35 AM

Is it not time that the Country demanded back the death penalty. The crimes being committed by these animals are beyond belief.No one is safe priests, nuns, doctors, women ,children black or white, these murdering scum should be put to death. Why show mercy to criminals when they show none to victims.

Basil Holford 12/15/2009 9:06:09 AM

Are we surprised. I have a list of reported cases as long as my arm where the police did nothing and closed the cases days after reporting. These cses ranged from murder to hijacking to robbery. Even when I tried to contact Mr Selebi when he was still in office I received no joy. The police are a joke, led by jokers.

Gatvol 12/15/2009 9:06:26 AM

Bring back the death penalty!

Anonymous 12/15/2009 9:06:33 AM

I wish this story was broadcast around the world for our visitors to the World Cup next year.

Annette Duvenhage 12/15/2009 9:07:07 AM

All i can say is that only barbaric animals can do something like this to another person...the sooner the Government realizes that they are loosing the so called battle agains crime the better for all South Africans...not only our whites are begging for the death penalty to be reinsted. The majority of black people want to see it happen...I fear 2010 because we are going to stand like loosers in front of the World..
Annette Duvenhage

Ruffdog 12/15/2009 9:14:33 AM

The Zambians brought back the death sentence and their cime levels were reduced by 50%, this has been an area of much debate in South Africa - time to stop debating and implement time to stop talking and strat doing

Anton 12/15/2009 9:18:28 AM

Where is this going to end? This is absolute madness. These criminals do this like an office job, they do not care about anything. I've never considered leaving the country, but good heavens violence is out of control, and without beefing up the police, paying and training them properly we are heading for absolute chaos and free for all kind of life......it is a disgrace what our country has become and our leaders must face up and people who encourage others to take matters in their own hands like the Malema's must see the blood on their hands of the victims of these acts, one looses absolute faith in this nation, tell me where is the rainbow in all of this?

Claire 12/15/2009 9:23:27 AM

And then we wonder why people want to immigrate

MR.B 12/15/2009 9:26:35 AM

As you can see their lives mean nothing in SA,you have more external support,so move somewhere else,and let your Dad share his knowledge where it will be appreciated.unfortunately this is the New S.A?

DougieB 12/15/2009 9:27:29 AM

Absolutely horrific and I am really disturbed by yet another display of SAPS apathy. We have heard so many promises from the face feeders on the gravy train but in reality the police don't give a damn. Yesterday I saw six metro and SAPS policemen in uniform in a shopping mall; and every one of them told me they were on duty!!!!! Show me a policeman who signed up to serve and protect and I'll show you a con artist.

appalled 12/15/2009 9:28:58 AM

these thugs are getting away with muder,literally.I fear the only way to deal with them is the old saying Kill or be Killed
I would sooner take my chances with asking questions now rather than later,South Africa
has become worse than the old Wild West.
Treat these cowards with no mercy I certainly will.Once bitten twice shy.

Babster 12/15/2009 9:40:59 AM

I can’t believe this. What is happening to our Country? Why do we have police if they can’t even do there jobs it’s just a waist of money. Half of my family is the Police and some of the stories they tell me, and what’s happening in the police station is shocking….

PAR 12/15/2009 9:49:45 AM

I wish people would send these articles to internation News agencies to remind the world why they should not attend the soccer next year. Just yesterday a 30 year old shot in a botched hijacking, girls of three and six raped, car accident numbers rising - this country is out of control

Abe 12/15/2009 9:55:38 AM

And this is why people leave the country. Government is too busy stuffing their deep pockets with the money the cops need to make resources available.

Christine 12/15/2009 9:59:17 AM

This is shocking, disgusting, appauling and unacceptable. Why are we living in fear everywhere, our homes are not even safe anymore. What is happening to our country???

webb 12/15/2009 9:59:32 AM

Just another statistic for the police who couldn't be bothered to even interview the victom - but for the rest of us RSA citizens, it's another horrific, animal like attack without mercy or concience that is the norm in this country. To our bloated, incompetent, useless government - get out of your extravagent cars and see what's actually hapenning in this once wonderful country and DO something about it! That's your job in case you didn't know!

AJ 12/15/2009 10:00:30 AM

If we had a police force from another country we would have arrests left right and center, because our criminals dont even hide their appearance or DNA. It would be slam dunk criminal processing - no thinking required. Other cops would actually get bored catching our scum as it is not a challenge.And still our cops can't do the simplest things. Tired of this rubbish.

bekkie1 12/15/2009 10:04:24 AM

This is the sort of behavior the country has to stamp out. The police must take this incident seriously, as they did grevious bodily harm to the victim. We do not need people in this country who perpetrate this sort of violence. Any violence towards any one is unaccepatble.

Jacque 12/15/2009 10:05:36 AM

Just digusting!

Wishing Marius a speedy recovery. Hopefully he is able to see again

Ed 12/15/2009 10:13:54 AM

All I can say is: "Bring back the death penalty and hang these babarians!!"

NINI HORN 12/15/2009 10:16:30 AM

This is so chocking what does Mr zuma think about all these peaople that are being attacked in their own homes where they are supposed to be safe. The robbers are getting more and more violant it is not about money or cell phones anymore it is agression and hate. Did the government notice how many overseas doctors sent their sympathy the whole worl now knows that the crime in South Afica is out of control. What is going to happen in 2010 with the soccer? I just want to say the Doctor and his wife I will be praying for them and they must remember with God anything is possible.

Jo 12/15/2009 10:18:18 AM

Hang the bastards!!!!

Young South Africa 12/15/2009 10:21:43 AM

Animals!!! The criminals lack of emotion and respect for human life has become common place equalled only by the Police. This is how we treat our aged professionals? No one can be surprised by the brain drain. Who wants to deal with years of study and hard work only to live amoungst such savage heartless people(Police and criminals). I love my country but it doesnt love me!

Sbu 12/15/2009 10:23:11 AM

South Africa has gone to the dogs. I am leaving this country. How can you live is such fear all your life.

keith Blair 12/15/2009 10:28:10 AM

Crime in South Africa is driving the best of the population overseas where they can see excellent opportunities for advancement and in addition live in a safe and secure environment. Until we have an effective, strong police force, which is fully supported by society there will continue to be lawlessness and violence which any normal society would find totally unacceptable

Garry 12/15/2009 10:31:09 AM

South Africans may wonder why foreign football teams will be bringing their own security forces to the World Cup, but they shouldn't. The South African Police prove themselves repeatedly to be criminally incompetent, if not actually criminal in nature.

There are so many wonderful things to see and experience in South Africa that many of us return to this beautiful country repeatedly, but crime and the Police are certainly two strong reasons to stay away!

Lewis 12/15/2009 10:35:00 AM

The barbarity of these attacks absolutely stun me. And then to call them 'Robber's?? They're savages! Uncivilised ones at that.

Beyond Crime 12/15/2009 10:35:12 AM

This is disgusting... Totally unnecessary. Carry on SA criminals, carry on. Let's see what the future holds.

Mike 12/15/2009 10:39:58 AM

This is disgusting. I'm a firm believer in the shoot to kill stance SAPS are taking. The sad thing here, is that we are bleeding good doctors in SA to other countries as a result of these types of attacks. The very same doctors these criminals will run to if they need medical help. Criminals of this nature deserve NO human rights when they eventually get caught. Its time to adopt an eye for an eye justice.

Ziggy 12/15/2009 10:44:45 AM

I think that it's appalling what is happening in this countyr. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dr & Mrs Pretorius. May God be with you and as far as the ploice are concerned, they couldn't care less about the victims anymore. Six days since the attack and not one witnessed interviewed? DISGUSTING AND DISGRACEFUL!!

Bokwe 12/15/2009 10:50:03 AM

Bheki Cele, let's see you walk the talk!

Disgusted 12/15/2009 10:56:35 AM

How can the police be so crap in SA? and its just sickening that these bastards get away with such terrible crimes! Start publicly executing criminals like this,....if the police are able to catch them!

Confused! 12/15/2009 10:58:44 AM

I keep on wondering why certain "satanists" prefer to do the will of the satanic powers as these are the same demons that rape and kill the innocent. Do they hope to get rich, famous and big because of their choices in life? Does it make them feel good, in power, in control? It will be so short lived. Please try and explain this sadistic behaviour, maybe I will be able to understand.

Confused 12/15/2009 11:03:51 AM

The minute you as a human, looses your RESPECT FOR OTHERS, you cannot be clasified as human anymore.

PROPHET 12/15/2009 11:05:51 AM

The brutality of SA crime, against white and black, cannot be explained, there is more to it than robbery .

JanRatkas 12/15/2009 11:06:58 AM

1. "...they didn’t want him to see again and identify them..." WTF?
2. What great publicity for such a loving rainbow nation.
3. Hilarious how all the criminals have guns, yet I've been waiting for 4 years to get my license (nothing as yet). Go Gun Free South Africa! Wankers.
4. Do we seriously expect the police to act vigilantly these days?
5. If they do catch these barbaric scum, I say do as they do unto others... an eye for an eye.

Bytjies 12/15/2009 11:12:46 AM

this is sad. the police should have caught them by now. really. why do human being act so cruelly towards others?

J Cunningham 12/15/2009 11:41:19 AM

This is appalling, when will justice been done! Jail is too good for these criminals

no returning 12/15/2009 11:43:05 AM

Every day one just gets more and more of these stories to read in the papers. The more I read stories like this, the less I want to return to SA. Its about time the ANC got off its behind and toughned up on the law and order of SA and also take measures to get the "illegal immigrants" out of the country. They should be rounded up and sent back especially the Niegrians as since they have come into SA, SA crime is getting worse and worse. Since when is a Nigerian a "REFUGEE"

Neville 12/15/2009 11:54:12 AM

This unfortunately epitomises our society in South Africa and the sick underlying total disregard for life. We keep sending clear messages to the rest of the world that we are a sick, violent Country and our position on tackling the crime issue is seriously undermined by the lack of a clear strategy on the part of the Government to convince foreign investors that South Africa is safe to live in. It's a sad day for all South Africans!

JP 12/15/2009 11:55:58 AM

Sad Sad story...that people with no education wanna ruin such respected people in our country.. BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY!!!!!!!

Grant 12/15/2009 11:57:51 AM

Catch them, convict them, use them as crash test dummies.

tony cape town 12/15/2009 12:20:37 PM

animals !!

Phil Snyman 12/15/2009 12:28:07 PM

This attack on an elderly couple is almost too savage for words! Absolutely disgusting and barbaric behaviour!! The police investigation is underway...........God help all of us in this rainbow country!!!

DT 12/15/2009 12:31:18 PM

And we call these "things" which commit this type of savagry, humans? Shooting them is too good for them

Wayne 12/15/2009 12:45:36 PM

Shoot to kill . First prize would be that they allow Marius to do his own little operation on these @ssholes' eyes . Can not believe people like this exist . I hope this investigation ends with dead criminals ! Get well soon Marius and Lien !

Lynne Boardman 12/15/2009 12:47:16 PM

This is one of the most disturbing and disgusting stories I have ever read. I'm in total shock and the fact that nobody's doing anything about it is almost worse than the evil itself.

Hang em High 12/15/2009 1:05:54 PM

These inhuman thugs try to gouge out his eyes, they try to strangle his wife, smoking whilst they carry out this horrific attack? They are the lowest form of human beings! And the best of all..... the bloody Police are doing nothing about it!!! President Zuma, do something about these attacks and the appalling police inefficiency or be prepared for a vicious backlash!!! Enough is enough!!

Shocked!!! 12/15/2009 1:06:50 PM

And we wonder why crime is out of control?!!! The police are fat and lazy; and do almost nothing to apprehend criminals. Our legal justice system is a joke!! The government is all talk and no action! Where is the visible policing that the ANC always talks about???

Henry 12/15/2009 1:19:54 PM

Why dont we have enough power to get through to the right people to realise that we are running into a situation that is just a dead end any way? It is so common to read about this in the papers or on the news stations it doesn't even upset one anymore and because nothing gets done the Farmers take matters in own hands they get painted by the race card!!!!!!

Shoot to kill 12/15/2009 1:22:51 PM

I will shoot to kill , and defend my family all it takes . The police is lazy , this is a shame how this country is run by robbers , rapist , murderers and thiefs !!!!!!!!!

Zii Ndlolo 12/15/2009 1:23:43 PM

Maybe we will learn not to repeat the same mistake over and over again.
This ANC gov is not doing anything for us instead they buy fancy cars and pocket millions. Maybe this is high time we stopped following these misleading leaders who come and promise the heaven and earth and after winning the votes they just relax and not care about citizens. This is bad, afraid that our leaders r in denial about this situation.

Tourists beware!!!! 12/15/2009 1:24:13 PM

"Warren said they had been flooded with e-mails and phone calls of support from ophthalmologists in the UK, US, Australia, China, Canada, Hungary and Hawaii". It stands to reason these people read about the attack in their local news media! What a great advertisement for South Africa and that just before the SWC!

Koochie 12/15/2009 1:25:37 PM

We are living in a sick, inhumane society. Maybe our earth does need another "cleansing".

Juan 12/15/2009 1:34:29 PM

Strange how the reitz story got more coverage than this...

letstasti 12/15/2009 1:38:49 PM

I will bet that in the next election that
the majority will still vote the same because
the vote is based on race.

David 12/15/2009 1:41:06 PM

There are no words to describe how horrific this act of violence is.
After decades of serving the people of this country (with its shortage of medical personal) this is how he is repaid. How tragic! It's really starting to seem like evil is triumphing over good in this country (As Prince Mashele has said in his latest article). But that is why we must stay here and keep on fighting the good fight. We mustn’t let these low life criminals dictate the way we should live our lives in the future.