The inspecting Judge of Prisons is to investigate fresh allegations that convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik is enjoying special privileges at Durban's Albert Luthuli Hospital.

Witnesses have alleged that they have seen Shaik has at the taxpayer's expense cocooned himself in one of KwaZulu-Natal's most luxurious public hospitals.

Medical personnel, who asked to remain anonymous, said Shaik was enjoying free reign in the hospital's cardiac ward and did not appear to be "overtly ill".

They alleged that although Shaik was watched by a single guard, he was not in a prisoner's uniform and was usually dressed in tracksuits or pyjamas.

They claimed that he spent his day chatting with other patients and nurses.

Shortly after his conviction last year, Shaik spent more than 80 days in St Augustines Hospital after being diagnosed as suffering from hypertension and depression.

His stay was cut short by Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.

Less than three months, later Shaik again left the Westville Correctional facility and was admitted to the cardiac unit in Albert Luthuli Hospital where he has remained.

Said an insider: "He is not cuffed or chained to his bed like other prisoners who are brought into the hospital."

A spokesman from Judge Nathan Erasmus's office confirmed that the inspectorate would visit the hospital to investigate the claims.

With acknowledgement to Cape Argus.