Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik was admitted to Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital yesterday, suffering from hypertension and depression.

A KwaZulu-Natal health official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Correctional Services Department had "requested us to manage their patient, who is suffering from hypertension and depression".

In a written statement, the KZN Department of Health said Shaik was admitted for observation after he was treated at the hospital's outpatient facility.

"This follows a recommendation from cardiologists in Cape Town that was sent by Discovery Health suggesting that this patient be monitored in an academic institution where he can be closely monitored," the department said.

It did not divulge any further details, saying patients had the right to have their medical details treated with confidentiality.

Shaik's brother, Mo Shaik, declined to comment, saying that he was in a meeting and referred all queries about his brother to the Correctional Services Department.

Correctional Services spokesman Manelisi Wolela did not answer his calls or respond to a message left for him. - Sapa

With acknowledgement to Sapa and Cape Argus.