Publication: Cape Argus Issued: Date: 2006-11-09 Reporter: Sapa

Shaik Disappears Behind Bars

 

Publication 

Cape Argus

Date

2006-11-09

Reporter

Sapa

Web Link

www.capeargus.co.za

 

A tearful and emotional Schabir Shaik entered Durban's Westville prison just after 9am today to begin his 15-year sentence for fraud and corruption.

Earlier, at the Durban High Court, he had told reporters: "My heart is at peace."

Shaik was whisked into the prison seconds after arriving in the back of a police van with flashing lights.

About 40 reporters and photographers mobbed the van in an attempt to get the last shot of ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma's former financial adviser before he disappeared behind bars.

Two lone Shaik supporters raised their left fists at the prison gate.

Moments later a convoy of cars arrived with Shaik's family and lawyers.

But it appears his ANC comrades have deserted him.

This is in sharp contrast to the hero's send-off given to former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni at Pollsmoor in September.

Shaik, supported by relatives, had reported to the Durban High Court at 8.30am to have his fingerprints taken.

Then he bade his family farewell.

"I wish my family all of the very best, especially my wife and my child.

"To all the reporters I've given a hard time, I apologise.

"My heart is at peace and I am walking in the path of my Lord."

In a statement earlier today, his family said: "We … will continue to explore whatever legal and constitutional options that may exist for Schabir.

"We will forever believe in Schabir's innocence and the fact that his actions, which were deemed criminal by the courts, were out of love, loyalty and comradeship."

The statement added: "Now that Schabir has been incarcerated, we appeal to the media to allow us to grieve the tragedy that has befallen our family."

This plea comes after a scuffle broke out in a popular Durban restaurant yesterday involving an e.tv camera crew, waiters and Yunis Shaik, Schabir's brother.

Within the prison walls, there was excited anticipation among warders and other staff of Shaik's arrival.

"Everyone inside here is talking about him," said one warder.

While ANC members were conspicuous by their absence at the prison this morning, the ANC Youth League and Communist Youth League have been giving their attention to a vigorous defence of Zuma, who the court found was involved in a corrupt relationship with Shaik.

The ANCYL said yesterday that its members would support Zuma as a presidential candidate even if he was facing a criminal charge.

Zuma is anxiously awaiting the National Prosecution Authority's next move after prosecutions chief Vusi Pikoli said the outcome of the Shaik appeal would be the main factor in determining whether or not to charge him afresh.

Meanwhile allegations of assault and threats of legal action are flying in the wake of yesterday's violent confrontation in Durban restaurant Spiga d'Oro.

This is one of Schabir Shaik's favourite haunts, where a special dish, Linguine alla Shaik, has been named after him.

The fracas erupted after an e.tv crew tried to secure an interview with Yunis Shaik.

An e.tv journalist, McIntosh Nzimande, alleged the crew members were manhandled and threatened by a restaurant staffer and Shaik as soon as they arrived.

He said Shaik had ripped off a piece of the microphone and kicked and threatened him.

The cameraman and e.tv staffer Dave Cole had also been assaulted, Nzimande said.

Restaurant owner Marco Santoniccolo said his mother Giusi Santoniccolo and a restaurant patron were among those injured in the uproar.

He said no permission had been sought for an interview. The scuffle had broken out after the crew was asked to leave.

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Cape Argus.