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The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the re-arrest of convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik – the only right course of action for the Department to take, given Mr Shaik's serious alleged indiscretions of the last month. It is, however, strange that Mr Shaik has been sent to the hospital wing of the Westville Prison following his rearrest. Mr Shaik was perfectly well and fit enough to play golf a few short weeks ago, but now is so ill that he has had to be admitted to hospital.

We urge the Minister of Correctional Services to appear before the Portfolio Committee to provide a full and comprehensive briefing of the circumstances surrounding this matter.

This seems to be a case of history repeating itself, and it makes a mockery of the parole system. Mr Shaik has been convicted of serious crimes, he does not qualify for medical parole, and he clearly needs to be sent back to detention, not to another prison hospital.