Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik has been readmitted to Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital with health problems related to his blood pressure.

Correctional Services officials could not be reached to comment and provincial health officials declined to comment.

However, asked about media reports on his hospitalisation, Shaik's brother Mo Shaik said: "I won't say the radio station is wrong.

"We are not allowed to comment until they (the correctional services department) tell us."

However, Sapa has reliably learnt from other sources that Shaik has been admitted to the hospital.

Shaik was convicted in 2005 by Judge Hillary Squires on two counts of corruption and one of fraud and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Shaik started his sentence in November 2006 after numerous appeals failed. He has spent lengthy periods in hospital since his incarceration.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.