Civil rights group AfriForum has lodged a complaint with the Parole Board against convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik after he was allegedly caught on camera violating his parole conditions.
The charge that Shaik violated his parole conditions comes after the umpteenth media report that he drives around and even does shopping at times not allowed for by his conditions of parole," said AfriForum Deputy CEO Alana Bailey.
A Sunday newspaper reported that Shaik, who was paroled and said to be in the "final stages of a terminal illness" nine months ago, was seen visiting a Durban townhouse complex and going shopping at a supermarket.
This was not allowed by his parole conditions.
Shaik's apparent disregard for his parole conditions sent a very disconcerting message regarding the supremacy of the law in South Africa, said Bailey.
"The actions of someone who obtained parole under highly questionable circumstances should at all times remain above suspicion. In Shaik's case, we see exactly the opposite," Bailey said.
She said at a time when crime was rampant and criminals appeared to show no regard for the law, it was important that strict action was taken against any person who violated parole conditions.
"This will reiterate that no-one is above the law."
In its submission to the parole board, AfriForum emphasised that it was essential for the maintenance of the supreme authority of the law that firm action be taken against Shaik if it were to be found that he had indeed violated his parole conditions.
A copy of AfriForum's complaint had also been sent to Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
