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'I Discharged Shaik Months Ago from Hospital' |
| Publication |
Cape Argus |
| Date | 2009-03-08 |
| Reporter | Sapa |
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Web Link |
The head of cardiology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli hospital in Durban
discharged Schabir Shaik four months ago because he was considered well enough
to leave, the Sunday Times reported on Sunday.
However, when the hospital board and correctional services intervened, Shaik did
not return to hospital but remained in the ward until his controversial parole
this week, the newspaper said.
"We managed him, and I was personally responsible for discharging him months
ago. But he remained at the hospital until he was paroled this week," said head
of the hospital's cardiology unit, Professor D P Naidoo. Shaik was officially
paroled in November last year, the same time his application for parole was
heard and adjourned to this month.
Naidoo was reportedly told by a member of the hospital's management that Shaik
would remain there until correctional services had made a decision about where
to place him.
"I was told it was beyond my control. It was in the hands of hospital management
and correctional services," said Naidoo. Responding to this, correctional
services department spokesperson Manelisi Wolela was quoted as saying: "None of
our front-line people know of this. They are astonished by the allegation."
He said if evidence were produced that show the parole procedure had been
compromised, it could be the basis of a review.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu Natal health spokesperson Leon Mbangwa said he would need
Naidoo's statement in writing before he could investigate further.
Shaik has been in and out of hospital at least four times since his
imprisonment.
He was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 on two counts of corruption and one
of fraud, which, among other things, related to an alleged bribe he negotiated
between ANC president Jacob Zuma and a French arms company. - Sapa
With acknowledgements to Sapa and Cape Argus.