Yunis and Mo Shaik have made a heartfelt plea for the release of their brother, Schabir, into correctional supervision at home or "some kind of parole".

IOL asked readers: "Should Schabir Shaik be granted a 'medical parole'?"

Of the 469 readers who responded to our poll, 20 percent (92 votes) said 'Yes', 71 percent (331 votes) said 'No and 10 percent (46 votes) said 'Who cares?'.

Here are some of the comments submitted by our readers:

NPC
No ways, never. He like many other ANC members was found guilty, his unquestionable guilt was the start of a high profile ANC membership incarceration for criminal activites. He deserved a lot longer but because of his political connections he got off lightly. there are still ots more to come and that's why the scorpions are going to be disbanded, because those in power know what they are in for if they don;t disband. You let this clown out they rest will also be feigning illness to get out, he is a CRIMINAL through and through and if he is ill in prision they they treat him for that illness in prison like ALL other prisioners, he is a fraudster out of prison and a fraudser in prison. Let him stay there till the end of his term period. Viva viva the scorpions

jm
I remember the arrogance of Mo saying what he would do to anyone who accused them of corruption - a threat. How sad the wheel has turned full cycle for them. Now I see he blames apartheid for the non-release of his brother. Good old apartheid - even blamed for the criminals stating in jail! Sorry Mr Shaik - you do the crime then you do the time. Even overseas prisoners are not released until their illness is terminal and at the last stages. So do not continue to blame apartheid. I am really sorry for the prisoner but I also believe justice must be seen to be done.

Bunz
Where did the doctors qualify... I have hypertension which IS BEING TREATED....maybe if he gave up THE CIGARS his blood pressure would decrease....Let SA not have a judical system if that's the case.......

Marc
No, 'fraid not. Nasty stuff, sickness. But I don't suppose he checked up on the physical wellness of all the people he shafted getting his millions, including his fellow SA citizens. In fact, the protective custody being foolishly considered would be for his own safety because there are a ton of people who would cheerfully "off" him.

Gatvol South African
Who does he think he is!! As it is we are footing the bill everytime he goes into hospital. He must be treated the same way as any prisoner and I know they dont get special privilages, such as private hospitals. He must pay his own bills with his dirt money. He must stay where he is and if he dies do be it. [ Edited by IOL ]

kurt
I said no but now you know. I say let him out. There are so many criminals that should be with him in jail that ,I, now think that they must just open the doors and let everyone out. Close down the police force and defence force and rule of the jungle must be applied. This is a uncivilised place now, so what the hell.

Bongani
It shows home some of us can be so cruel; because you hold negative perception against Shaik you fail to reason that he is a human being just like anyone of us. If this was your brother, father or one of your kind you would have considered this matter with an open mind. Let's be humans once in our life-times and stop being hypocrites when we talk human rights.

Duncan
The thing that needs to be assessed is if his conditions warrants a release. He should be treated like any other convicted fellon - for better or worse. I've not been to prison, so I don't know what the stress is like and whether it could affect a person in the way the Shaiks are claiming. Maybe some of you have and can enlighten us? Either way, an independent medical exam should clarify things. Yes he may be a convicted criminal and have blustering brothers, but that should not detract from his rights - judge them on the medical facts, not on his (well deserved) reputation.

Fried Egg
I wonder how easy it is to find a bent doctor in this country?

Andrea
He's been shamming since he was sentenced, when he was in hospital in Durban, he spent his days wandering around the garden, SMOKING, does this sound like someone with stress related illnesses. Wait till JZ comes to power, Shabby will make a miraculous recovery and become the new Finance Minister. Mabhebeza (what kind of a name? ) anyway, what do you mean no link between Shaik and anyone in ANC, have you had your head up your a*** for the last few years, who do you think JZ was in cahoots with for all these allegations he now faces? Or is JZ not ANC, maybe i've missed something??

Related Articles

• Plea to free 'ailing' Shaik
• 'Fast-track parole for the dying'
• Prison policy in question, says Shaik
• Release of very ill prisoners mooted
• Zuma charges 'a result of Shaik's conviction'
• Shaik's ongoing hospital stays 'concerning'

With acknowledgements to Hazel Memani and Cape Times.