Publication: Cape Times Issued: Date: 2007-05-21 Reporter: Sapa

Shaik Allegations 'Calculated to Wreck Brother's Court Bid'

 

Publication 

Cape Times
Date

2007-05-21

Reporter

Sapa

Web Link

 www.capetimes.co.za

 

JOHANNESBURG: Schamim "Chippy" Shaik was a "significant contributor" to the journal article he was alleged to have plagiarised in his thesis, his brother Yunis said in a statement yesterday.

Yunis Shaik was responding to a Sunday Times report that "more than two-thirds" of Chippy Shaik's 2003 PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the then-University of Natal had been plagiarised.

"The article is mentioned in the bibliography. More importantly, his co-authors deny the allegation of plagiarism and contend that Shamim was entitled to make use of the work as a co-author," Yunis said.

The exposé comes on the eve of a petition by the Shaiks' brother Schabir, to the Constitutional Court, to get out of jail early. Schabir Shaik was jailed for fraud.

Yunis Shaik told the SABC: "The timing of this thing is just calculated to wreck our Constitutional Court case."

The journal article was entitled Refined Theory of Laminated Anisotropic Shells for the Solution of Thermal Stress Problems.

Chippy Shaik's doctorate could be revoked.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal would investigate *1, read a statement by UKZN acting deputy vice chancellor Professor Isobel Konyn.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Times.


*1       Bad luck, the University has already investigated.

What the Sunday Times reported in terms of the thesis is not in any way divergent with the findings of the University thus far.

What the professor really means in her communique is that the investigation leading to the formulation of charges and indictments (at the very least, notification thereof) has been completed which will then be the basis for a formal tribunal.

At such a tribunal those indicted will presumably have the opportunity for pleading, plea explanation, representation and cross-examination.

This is in accordance with due process.