Durban : There were no signs of the luxury that convicted businessman Schabir Shaik has been claimed to be enjoying when the National Council of Provinces' select committee on security and constitutional affairs visited him in his Westville Prison cell yesterday.

The committee has embarked on a five-day oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal amid complaints about the services provided by the Departments of Justice, Correctional Services and Safety and Security in the province.

The committee was especially concerned about claims, reported recently, that Shaik was receiving special treatment.

But Shaik cut a lonely figure in his tiny, Medium B High Care Unit room, his home until his health improves. His doctors say he has high blood pressure.

The committee could see no evidence of luxuries. Shaik was using state-issued linen. On a table were books, prayer beads and some papers. His air-conditioned cell also contained a TV set and a chair.

With acknowledgement to Amelia Naidoo and Cape Times.