Publication: The Witness Issued: Date: 2007-01-13 Reporter: Nivashni Nair Reporter:

Elusive Shaik ‘Changes His Name Every Week’

 

Publication 

The Witness
Date 2007-01-13

Reporter

 Nivashni Nair

Web Link

www.witness.co.za

 

Introducing the elusive Mr van Rensburg, better known as convalescing fraudster Schabir Shaik.

It is well known that Shaik was smuggled into a cushy private ward at St Augustine’s Hospital under an assumed name from Qalakabusha Prison to protect his privacy.

But Weekend Witness discovered that he changes his name every week, and this week he was going under the name “Van Rensburg”.

Hospital manager Rory Passmore explained that the alias is to protect Shaik’s privacy and well-being. “It is the policy of the Netcare Hospital Group, and therefore Netcare St Augustine’s, to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of all our patients.”

Shaik’s family was unavailable for comment, but his attorney, Reeves Parsee, told Weekend Witness it was to keep “you guys away from him”.

Correctional Services departmental spokesman Luphumzo Kebeni said the department has nothing to do with Shaik being booked under a false name.

Shaik booked into hospital in November and has reportedly received treatment for his heart, high blood pressure ­ and his gums.

Kebeni yesterday told Weekend Witness that Correctional Services has requested a full update on Shaik’s condition to determine what the next step should be.

Shaik is serving a 15-year sentence for fraud and corruption.

With acknowledgements to Nivashni Nair and The Witness.