Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik is expected to stay in hospital "for quite a while".

KwaZulu-Natal's correctional services department yesterday confirmed that Shaik had been admitted to Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital ­ two weeks ago.

"He had to undergo some blood tests that related to his high blood pressure problem," correctional department spokesman Khazi Sithole told The Times.

It was then decided that he should be admitted into hospital because doctors found that a vein leading to his heart was swollen and that his medication had to be increased."

Sithole said Shaik's condition was stable but that his doctors could not say when Shaik would return to Qalakabusha prison in Empangeni, where he is serving a 15-year sentence for fraud and corruption.

"The doctors are compiling a report and more tests will be taken. His progress will be reported to our department," she said.

AE Gangat, Shaik's psychiatrist, who wrote to the correctional services department in 2006 stating that Shaik was suicidal, yesterday declined to comment on Shaik's mental health.

Gangat, who is still treating Shaik, has in the past said that Shaik's hypertension had affected his mental health and had advised against him being imprisoned.

Shaik, entering his second year of a 15-year sentence, has been hospitalised at private and state hospitals on numerous occasions.

He was Jacob Zuma's financial adviser when Zuma was the ANC's deputy president.

With acknowledgements to Nivashni Nair and The Times.