DEATH OF PROMINENT DERMATOLOGIST DR. JOHN MOCHE

On behalf of the Dermatology Society of South Africa, we wish to express our deep sadness and outrage at the tragic death of Dr John Moche in a hijacking on Friday evening.

John was a highly esteemed dermatologist who was appointed principal specialist in Dermatology at the University of Pretoria. He studied medicine at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal and did his registrar training at the University of the Witwatersrand where he also worked as a consultant dermatologist. He moved to the Steve Biko hospital in Pretoria to take up his Senior post 2 years ago.

John was the author and co- author of several papers and was heavily involved in teaching . His enthusiasm and efficiency were demonstrated by his organising  of the National Dermatology Congress in Pretoria last year. His sense of humour, warmth and friendship, as well as the incredible enthusiasm  for everything he did, endeared him to colleagues and students alike.

He was  determined to ensure the highest standards of dermatology training. John had great insight into difficult clinical situations and always showed great empathy for his patients .

John's death is a shattering blow to the dermatology  speciality and to medicine in South Africa. His untimely death cuts off a great future and will be recorded as another tragic loss for South Africa.  We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and 3 small children as well as to the rest of his family.

We  call on the Minister of Health and the Ministers of Police and Justice to ensure that his murderers are brought to justice and to do all in their power to halt this terrible slaughter of South African citizens.

Statement issued by Dr R Weiss, President, Dermatology Society of South Africa, January 30 2012

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