Cyril Karabus

Cyril Karabus (1 April 1935 – 9 June 2026) was a South African paediatric oncologist. Karabus was initially well-recognised in South Africa for his work with black cancer patients during apartheid. In 2012, Karabus gained international attention after he was detained in the United Arab Emirates, where (eight years earlier and without his knowledge) he had been convicted in absentia of manslaughter and forgery. Following boycotts in South Africa against the UAE, and pressure from the South African government, the UAE acquitted him of all charges in March 2013, and he returned to South Africa in May of that year.

Early life and career Karabus was born on 1 April 1935. A paediatric oncologist, where he founded the paediatric oncology unit. He had five children

Convictions in absentia In October 2002, while acting as a locum in Abu Dhabi for a period of six weeks, Karabus treated a 3-year-old Yemeni girl with acute myeloid leukemia

Arrest On 17 August 2012, Karabus had a layover at the Zayed International Airport. He was returning to South Africa from his son's Canadian wedding. Karabus only became aware of his manslaughter conviction in absentia following the arrest. and later described the conditions as "not too bad". Following a slow legal process, Bagraim decided to pressure the government through lobbying and emailing news organisations about the detention. Soon after, a petition was set up by two unrelated people, bringing attention to the case. The South African Medical Association released a statement three days later in support of the HPCSA, calling the UAE's treatment of the case "inhumane". People protested for Karabus's release in several places, including at the 2013 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships.

Death Karabus died on 9 June 2026, at the age of 91.