The Department of Correctional Services continues to give imprisoned Durban businessman Schabir Shaik preferential treatment, says the director of the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (Sapohr), Golden Miles Bhudu.

Bhudu said as of Friday Shaik had been at Albert Luthuli Hospital for 25 days, and that he was not being treated like a prisoner and "was getting visitors left, right and centre".

Shaik is said to be suffering from hypertension.

"Seeking medical treatment outside the prison hospital is a Herculean task for ordinary prisoners, yet it seems so easy for Shaik," Bhudu said, adding that he had received reports from independent sources that Shaik looked well and that he was being allowed to walk around freely.

The public relations officer for the Albert Luthuli Hospital, John Thusi, confirmed that Shaik was still at the hospital, but said he could not comment because that was a private and confidential matter.

With acknowledgement to Babington Maravanyik and Cape Argus.