Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour yesterday gave orders for convicted Durban fraud Schabir Shaik to be removed from St Augustine’s Hospital and taken to Westville prison.

Balfour said he took the decision after seeing reports of two private practitioners and a correctional services doctor.

He said the order was effective immediately.

Shaik has been in Durban’s St Augustine’s hospital since November 24. He was treated for high blood pressure. Medical tests by prison authorities followed recent media reports questioning Shaik’s stay in hospital.

Medical aid scheme Discovery Health is investigating claims made for Shaik’s stay in hospital.

Balfour said Shaik was sent to Westville prison as it was close to St Augustine’s Hospital and to Shaik’s doctors and family. “The step we have taken is in the best interest of both the offender and the department,” said Balfour.

He said Shaik’s doctors would be granted access to him at any time to monitor his condition. A departmental doctor and nurses would also be available to Shaik.

“I have also instructed the management of Durban Westville to ensure that appropriate medical treatment is provided to him as we do to all other offenders of a similar state of health and similar conditions.”

Balfour said that should any medication be more than the department could afford, Shaik’s family would have to have to obtain that medication at their own expense, as the department’s regulations prescribed.

He said all conditions applicable to Shaik’s classification when he was incarcerated at Qalakabusha prison would remain applicable when he returned to Westville prison. “I wish to reassure all South Africans that no offender will be treated preferentially, but in terms of the provisions of the Correctional Services Act and our regulations, which ensure access to private medical treatment at an offender’s own expense,” Balfour said.

Shaik’s brother, Mo Shaik, said yesterday that his brother’s transfer to Westville prison had been done in consultation with the Shaik family, and they were “forewarned”.

“Our doctors were, of course, not happy on the matter.”

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Business Day.