|
Shaik is Gravely Ill - Family |
| Publication |
The Star |
| Date | 2009-03-02 |
| Reporter | Sapa |
|
Web Link |
Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik was relieved to be back home and was
sleeping, his brother Yunis said on Tuesday outside the family's house in
Durban.
"He's sleeping because he is gravely ill," said Yunis Shaik.
He said the parole board had decided to release his brother after studying
Schabir's medical records and determining he was "gravely
ill".
"The terms and conditions of his release will apply as the same for all
offenders.
"We will take advice from his doctors at this stage," he said.
"If you're thinking of getting a picture of him on crutches, you won't because
he is sleeping," Yunis told reporters outside the Morningside home.
He explained that people who had been coming in and out of the property were
correctional services and parole board officials, there to set down conditions
for parole.
He said the family was happy he was back home.
"Most of the time he is on heavy medication... and we (the family) will stay
with him for a short while for support and to sort out home care."
Yunis requested journalists to leave as other family members who wanted to see
him could not, because they could not face the media camped outside the home.
About 10 reporters and photographers were there.
Asked what Shaik had eaten today, Yunis said "next question".
Asked whether Schabir Shaik was terminally ill, Yunis said he was "gravely
ill *1".
Shortly before 8am, a Citymed ambulance pulled up in front of the Shaik's home.
It was followed by a bakkie full of correctional services officials. Shaik was
taken inside on a stretcher.
Reporters earlier converged on Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital by 8.30am in
anticipation of Shaik's release, but were told by hospital officials that he had
already gone home. - Sapa
With acknowledgements to Sapa and The Star.