A Johannesburg doctor has described to Eyewitness News how she was arrested, because she could not testify in a rape case.

Doctor Rachelle Isakov says she was subpoenaed to testify as a state witness in a rape case at the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court last month.

However, she informed the prosecutor that she could not attend proceedings, because she had to perform an emergency operation at Milpark Hospital.

Isakov says a police officer arrived at the hospital last week and arrested her for being in contempt of court.

"I was totally horrified. It was horribly embarrassing. I work at Milpark, I am one of the regular doctors there and in front of all the staff and patients; I was humiliated," she said.

The surgeon adds she is reluctant to help in other cases, saying: "I never want to see the J88 again."

The National Prosecuting Authority says it wants to investigate the incident, but is waiting for further details from the doctor.

Eyewitness News

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