Durban : Businessman Schabir Shaik has been moved to a hospital cell in Qalakbusha prison in Empangeni because he has "serious" medical conditions which prison doctors felt could not be monitored adequately at Westville prison here.

This was according to Judge Nathan Erasmus, the Inspecting Judge of Prisons, who surprised Qalakbusha prison officials this week with a visit to investigate media reports that Shaik was receiving preferential treatment.

Erasmus, who spent time with Shaik during his visit, said it was clear the businessman was distressed. He had been presented with a medical certificate Shaik brought with him to Westville prison from a specialist about his condition.

The judge said he was not at liberty to disclose the nature of Shaik's illness, but said he (Shaik) had been suffering from it for five years.

Erasmus said Shaik was examined at Westville prison by a prison medical practitioner, which was customary for all entering the prison. A recommendation was then made for Shaik to be held in a facility where there was permanent medical care, and he was transferred to Empangeni.

"I have looked at medical reports, observation notes, examination notes and spoken to doctors who have dealt with him since his admission, and it is apparent that there was a need for him to be held in the hospital section."

About 900 prisoners at Qalakabusha prison have come down with diarrhoea since Wednesday night.

Department of Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela said ten doctors and over 40 nurses were deployed to the facility and they have managed to bring the outbreak under control.

With acknowledgements to Carvin Goldstone and Cape Times.