Whistleblower obtains harassment order

Update

GEORGE NEWS - A former whistleblower at the centre of the investigations involving late radiologist Dr Pieter Henning says she has broken her silence after allegedly receiving threats, forcing her to approach the police and the George Magistrate's Court for protection.

Lizelma Kassteen, whose identity became public during the investigations involving Henning and Keystone Radiology, says she has "remained quiet about a lot of things", but decided she could no longer do so after receiving what she describes as serious threats about two weeks ago.

Kassteen approached the police and the court, and a harassment order was granted against a George woman whom she claims threatened her through Facebook messages. The order was served last week, and the matter is expected in court in September.

Kassteen said her main concern is the safety of her family. "I just want to carry on with my life normally and close this chapter now."

The latest development follows a series of legal and professional proceedings involving Henning, founder of Keystone Radiology, which previously operated a practice in George. Henning died in a motor vehicle accident in Potchefstroom on 29 July. The North West Police confirmed that a culpable homicide investigation had been opened.

Kassteen was previously identified as a former employee and whistleblower in connection with the allegations involving Henning. Her disclosures formed part of the background to a Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) investigation into alleged impairment involving the radiologist.

The HPCSA was investigating allegations relating to the alleged misuse of pethidine, a schedule 6 opioid. Henning denied the allegations and maintained that the claims of substance abuse were unfounded.

He was also facing a criminal case arising from a shooting incident at Techno Park in Stellenbosch in November 2025. He was arrested and later released on R1 000 bail.

In a separate matter, the HPCSA was investigating a complaint of alleged medical negligence following the death of a patient at a North West private hospital in 2023.

Kassteen said she did not want to reopen the disputes surrounding Henning, but wanted to make it clear that she did not consider herself responsible for his death. "I just want to continue with my life in peace without worrying whether someone is waiting for me when I or my husband or child arrive home," she said.

The woman named in the harassment proceedings was approached for comment.

"On the advice of my legal representative, I'm not in a position to make any public comment at this stage, as the matter is currently before the court. I respect the legal process and will allow it to take its course," she said.

*The allegations of threats made against Kassteen have not been independently verified by George Herald. The granting of a harassment order is a court development and does not in itself establish the truth of all allegations made by either party. The previous allegations concerning Henning were denied by him and remained subject to the relevant legal and professional processes.

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