Cape Town oncologist Cyril Karabus has little thanks for the South African government who he believes did little to release him after months of detention in Abu Dhabi.

Karabus, 78, was detained in Abu Dhabi on charges of forgery and manslaughter over the death of a young patient he treated in the region more than a decade ago. He was held for nine months.

The retired paediatric oncologist told the Times Live that the South African government did little to help him.

He said that while South African embassy staff had been very helpful, it took the government six months before it eventually sent deputy minister of international relations, Marius Fransman, to speak to UAE officials.

When Karabus arrived back in South Africa on 17 May, to a huge reception, "Fransman was swanning around as if it were all his work".

Karabus believes that it was actually Iqbal Survé, owner of the Independent newspaper group, who won his release.

"He visited me, called the crown prince and three days later I was acquitted."

He described how when in prison, he was taken to court with his wrists and ankles shackled.