l Dear Comrade Schabir, thanks for taking the rap for me as arranged. I trust the hospital staff were as good as promised. Hope you're looking forward to your new position as Minister of Finance and thanks for the one-on-one financial and legal advice at the hospital and through these trying times with Zapiro. Viva! Your good friend.

The sudden release of Schabir Shaik was timed to perfection so there was no possibility of reversing the decision: first, the previous commissioner was transferred to clear the path; second, the parole panel must have been carefully selected; third, the prison doctor could not ask for the medical reports as Shaik's departure from prison was most likely known only to a few people. Lastly, the decision can only be placed on review by the minister, which is highly unlikely.

Schabir Shaik is obese from the fantastic so-called hospital prison life. I recommend a healthy diet would settle his medical problems. Send him back to a real prison with people serving a sentence for stealing a loaf of bread.

Sadly the Shaik debacle is a reflection of the ANC's double standards. How many terminally ill prisoners have died in prison. Were they released? No. So the corrupt Shaik is let off due to his relationship with Zuma. It would be interesting to learn if Zuma had a say in his release. Sad how this country has deteriorated under the ANC.

If Shaik was released to be with his family as he could be dying, I expect him to be dead within two months.

Schabir Shaik's parole epitomises the ANC 's brazen disregard for protocol and endorses their culture of arrogance personified.

The ANC has the audacity to ask us to be sympathetic towards Shaik! I'd give Jack the Ripper more than I would give this arrogant schemer!

I will let you into a state secret: Shaik has been released for him to prepare to take over as Finance Minister when and if the ANC fires Trevor Manuel after the elections.

With acknowledgements to Cape Argus.