DURBAN: Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour has ordered that convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik be removed immediately from St Augustine's Hospital and taken to the Westville Prison here.

Balfour said he had decided this after studying reports by two private practitioners and a doctor of the department.

The order was effective immediately, he said.

Shaik has been in St Augustine's Hospital since November 24. He has been treated for high blood pressure.

The medical examinations were ordered by prison authorities after it emerged that medical aid scheme Discovery Health was investigating Shaik's claims for his expenses and questioning his protracted stay in hospital.

Balfour said Shaik was being sent to Westville Prison as it was close to the hospital and Shaik's doctors and home.

"The step we have taken is in the best interests of the offender and the department."

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Times.