Doctor to settle case

Dr. Beyers Oosthuizen was accused of slapping an autistic 5-year-old boy in front of his grandmother. He alledgedly slapped the boy on the arm after he touched the doctor's computer. Dr. Oosthuizen has agreed to pay the boy's family a R113 000 settlement, plus their legal costs. His offer does not acknowledge any liability for the alleged slapping incident in November 2003. The Irish Circuit Court heard that the incident occurred after the boy's grandmother took him to see Dr. Oosthuizen at the Children's Hospital in Tallagt, South Dublin County. The judge approved the settlement. The money is to be paid to the grandmother, who seven years ago sought and was granted guardianship of the boy. Dr. Oosthuizen has voluntarily removed his name from the Irish Medical Register.