Durban - Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik was incarcerated in a hospital cell in Qalakabusha prison, Empangeni, in a “distressed” state, but did not appear to be receiving preferential treatment, Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons head Judge Nathan Erasmus said yesterday.

Erasmus investigated the conditions of Shaik’s imprisonment after media speculation that he was receiving special treatment. The inspectorate is an independent body that monitors conditions in SA’s 243 prisons and operates independently of the correctional services department.

Erasmus said Qalakabusha was 175% overcrowded as at Wednesday night.

He said Shaik was in a cell in the hospital section due to an illness of more than five years standing.

Erasmus said he was not at liberty to explain the nature of Shaik’s illness, except to say the condition was “serious”, but far from the degree where it might justify his release from prison.

Shaik was moved to Qalakabusha from Westville prison because he was classified as a maximum security offender and could be more easily and closely monitored because the prison has a 24-hour hospital facility.

He will be moved from the hospital facility on the recommendation of a state doctor.

When asked how Shaik appeared to be feeling, Erasmus said: “I’m no psychologist but he looks distressed to me.”

With acknowledgement to Edward West and Business Day.