Shaik wants pardon and repayment of Zuma loan

It is more than three years since Shaik applied for his presidential pardon, but he is no closer to finding out whether he will get his pardon. And nor has he been repaid what he maintains was a R2m loan to Zuma. It is believed the initial loan amount of R2.5m, primarily used for Zuma's children's upkeep and education, was part of a loan agreement drawn up by an attorney. Only R500 000 has apparently been repaid to Shaik by Zuma, says the report. Shaik was convicted of corruption and fraud in 2005, and sentenced to 15 years in prison. In March 2009 he was released on medical parole, having spent most of his prison time in hospital.

Shaik's possible pardon, it is believed, rests largely on information related to his corruption trial. The Weekend Argus report notes that, according to the application, a major issue is that the courts erred in finding Shaik guilty. It says key points in the pardon application include details that a senior counsel had approached Shaik's legal representative, Advocate Nirmal Singh SC, prior to the trial. The advocate sought to strike a plea bargain on condition that Shaik spill the beans on Zuma on the following points: that the R2.5m loan agreement between Zuma and Shaik was false, and that Zuma had no interest in paying it back; that some of the public funds given to the ANC and Zuma were used by Zuma for his private use; that Zuma did in fact request funds from the French to build his house; and that Zuma had asked Shaik to write off R180 000 in taxes Zuma was unable to pay. In exchange for Shaik's confession, he was offered indemnity from prosecution and full protection and his businesses would have remained untouched, says the report. But Shaik, in the application, alleges he 'kept quiet because I am a comrade'. Department of Justice spokesperson Tlali Tlali said Shaik's application was before them. 'It will thereafter be sent to the President for his consideration and decision,' he said. Full Weekend Argus report (subscription needed)

Shaik has distanced himself from the report, according to The Times. Shaik reportedly told the paper: 'I've been ill-quoted and I distance myself from that article.' He said he was not in a position to threaten anyone, especially Zuma. 'I am not in a position to threaten anybody, let alone the honourable President - whom I have great respect for - the only person who will consider my pardon. At this point, threatening him just doesn't make sense. If at any time I wanted to say anything, I would have said it during my trial.' Full report in The Times