Dean McPherson, an eThekwini DA councillor, says he wants some answers after apparently spotting "a hale and hearty" Schabir Shaik driving on Durban's Musgrave on Monday.

McPherson, who claims to have seen a healthy-looking Shaik perched in his luxurious BMW 7 Series, says: "We really need answers and an end to this. The Department of Correctional Services needs to give us an explanation why Schabir Shaik was released from jail," he said.

He said he had recognised Shaik and decided to follow him.

'For a man said to be so gravely ill to be driving alone is unthinkable'

"I saw him pulling over at driveway in Essenwood Road - I could not believe what I was seeing. For a man said to be so gravely ill to be driving alone is unthinkable," McPherson said.

"He pulled over to buy balloons on the side of the road," said McPherson, who said he had filmed Shaik using his cellphone.

"In the video you can't see him, but I followed the car to his residence in Innes Road, Morningside, and the security opened for him. I have the number plate of the car," said McPherson.

"I am even willing to give testimony in a court of law."

Shaik's brother, Mo, played down McPherson's allegations and refused to say if his brother had been driving in Musgrave.

"I'm only accountable for my life, not anyone else's. I have heard about the councillor's allegations, but I don't know whether it's true or not," said Mo, who would also not comment on his brother's health.

Shaik has been a subject of fierce controversy since his release on medical parole in March after serving two years and four months of a 15-year prison term for fraud and corruption.

In 2005, Shaik was convicted of two counts of corruption and one of fraud, relating to the country's controversial arms deal.

Correctional services spokesperson Manelisi Wolela was unavailable for comment on Monday.