Paralysed cop foots own medical bills

A police officer who was left paralysed two years ago during a high-speed car chase on duty is now relying on fundraising to pay for his biokinetic therapy sessions, as rehabilitation is not covered by SAPS.

His plight has now reached the attention of National Assembly chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, who has written to SAPS management for answers.

Cameron raised the matter as urgent during the meeting with the portfolio committee, in which he said Constable Ahzerian (Aziz) Esterhuizen had to fundraise to pay for biokineticist therapy sessions because SAPS has failed to cover or arrange the necessary rehabilitation.

“His required occupational therapist assessment has still not been scheduled, and no adapted equipment or workplace accommodations have been provided to assist him in his current administrative post,” said Cameron.

“We have now written formally to SAPS management requesting immediate scheduling of the outstanding occupational therapist assessment; full coverage or reimbursement of medical and rehabilitative costs; provision of assistive devices and adapted work conditions; a formal investigation into the lack of support post-incident; and fast-tracked resolution of his injury-on-duty claim with the Compensation Fund.

“SAPS must provide a full written update on the actions taken by Wednesday, May 14."

Esterhuizen, now stationed at Paarl East police station where he is adapting to administrative duty, was serving in Mooresburg in February 2023 when he and colleagues were in pursuit of a suspicious vehicle along the N7.

During an interview with the Cape Argus, Esterhuizen said his life has life took a dramatic turn in just a few minutes. 

He said he spent seven months in rehabilitation but is no longer able to receive the much-needed sessions due to it no longer being covered by his employer.

He said now, biokinetic therapy has become vital for his rehabilitation, and costs up to R400 per session.

That was when he decided to start fundraising with the help of colleagues including Ghida Visser.

Esterhuizen, who grew up in Mafikeng, has been in the police force for the past ten years and despite being paralysed, his passion and determination continues so much so that he is slowly able to make use of his arms and hands again due biokineticist therapy.

“We came on duty on February 26, 2023, we did patrols on N7 between Malmesbury and Moorreesburg.

“We decided we were going to investigate and we chased the vehicle and put our sirens on. The driver of the vehicle did not stop.

“There was construction work on the N7 and our driver lost control, we were in a bakkie.

“We were three colleagues in the bakkie double cab.

“We went into a lamp pole and we rolled. I was conscious the whole time.

“I realised something happened and something is wrong with me when I tried to move.”

He said a Good Samaritan who he has yet to identify and thank, saved his life by keeping him conscious and his neck stable.

“A doctor stopped at accident scene and kept my neck stable the whole time and he kept me awake.

"When the ambulance arrived he drove with me to hospital. I want to say thank you to this doctor.

“It left me paralysed from the shoulders and after surgery, I was ten days at Med-Clinic and then to rehabilitation for seven months.

“It has impacted me in a bad way but I am still grateful to be here and it took a while for me to make peace with my situation.

“With rehab I have improved, I can move my arms now,” he said. 

“I could only move my neck.

“Every little achievement I am grateful for, it is a huge celebration.

“What gives me hope is doing the exercises.

“I am doing it once a week and biokinetic, they specialise in spinal injury.

“My physio has been stopped, the police have not paid for the last 20 sessions.

“They (physio) were not receiving payment.

“Biokineticist therapy sessions, my medical aid approved five for the year.

“I have started fund raising.

“I am doing a raffle to raise money after a farmer donated a whole lamb.”

Visser told the Cape Argus that Esterhuizen was one of a kind who had passion for the police work he did.

“There are people who touch your life without you even realizing it. A man whose presence is more than just a policeman’s uniform or a title. Constable Aziz Esterhuizen is one of those people. A man whose story isn’t just about duty and service, but about calling, passion, sacrifice, and incredible humanity with an incredible spirit,” she said via social media post she shared with the newspaper.

Western Cape police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said in response to Cameron’s statement on medical claims: “Be advised that your enquiry is being processed once the relevant information is sourced, this office will revert to you.”

• If you want to support Esterhuizen contact Visser on 073 044 5552; [email protected]

Banking details for donations:

FNB - Cheque Account

Account Number: 62510032569

Name: ABF Esterhuizen

Use your name, surname, or business name as a reference.

Proof of donations or payments can be sent to Ghida Visser.

Cape Argus