Publication: Mail and Guardian Issued: Date: 2006-11-16 Reporter: Sapa

Shaik Also Eats Cooked Cabbage

 

Publication 

Mail and Guardian
Date

2006-11-16

Reporter

 Sapa

Web Link

www.mg.co.za

 

Fraud convict Schabir Shaik's move to Empangeni's Qalakabusha prison was due to his chronic medical condition *1, the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons announced in Durban on Thursday.

Judge Nathan Erasmus said continued media speculation over "preferential treatment" had prompted him to investigate personally the reasons for Shaik being moved from Durban's Westville prison barely hours after he was booked in amid a media frenzy.

Erasmus, speaking at a press conference in Durban's Westville prison, said Shaik had not received preferential treatment. "It [Qalakabusha prison] is not a centre of excellence as has been reported in the media," he said.

He visited the prison in Empangeni and met Shaik in the confines of the hospital section of the prison. While he could not disclose Shaik's medical condition, it was "serious" and he said Shaik could be more easily monitored at Qalakabusha because of the way it was constructed.

He said Shaik had suffered from the ailment for the past five years. Although serious, Erasmus said the condition was not such that it would warrant early release on medical parole, but it was the main reason for Shaik's transfer.

He said the Empangeni facility, like others in the country, suffers from severe overcrowding. Built to accommodate 1 352 inmates, at the close of business on Wednesday it contained 2 374 inmates, 75% more than it should have.

He said that on his unannounced visit to the prison he personally saw Shaik eating the standard cooked cabbage, phutu (porridge) and a pear for dessert.

Shaik had arrived at prison on November 9 with medical certificates from his physician. The former financial adviser and confidante of Jacob Zuma was then examined by a doctor appointed by the Department of Correctional Services.

A decision was made to transfer him to the Empangeni facility where there was a better capacity to observe prisoners.

With acknowledgements to Sapa[] and Mail & Guardian.


*1       Surely caused by stress and not from sharing a couple of rounds with Robin with a close friend.