Doctor who recommended Shaik's release was a psychiatrist

The Durban psychiatrist who in February 2007 warned Correctional Services that Shaik was 'a severe suicide risk', more recently stated in a medical report to the parole board that: 'Mr Shaik is terminally ill with life-threatening organ failure due to malignant hypertension as delineated. I strongly recommend it (medical parole).' The Durban-Westville Parole Board held meetings with Gangat and Correctional Services practitioner, Dr Ngenisile Mbanjwa, on 26 February and with Dr Sajidah Khan - a cardiologist - on 1 March. The doctors recommended parole on medical grounds, according to a parole board report. The report says the board which granted Shaik's medical parole comprises its vice-chairman, Mr BD Tshabangu, and its secretary, Mr S Tshaka, - both from Correctional Services. It also includes two community members, identified as RV Ntombela and Mr TE Mbambo. Full Cape Times report (subscription needed)

Shaik has been treated by 'about 14' doctors since being sentenced in 2006 - and the Health Professions Council of SA is investigating all of them, notes a report in The Times. The probe follows complaints lodged by the DA. The DA's James Selfe said he initially asked the council to investigate three cardiologists - Professor Datshana Prakash Naidoo, Dr Sajidah Khan and Dr Les Ponnusamy - for possible unprofessional conduct in connection with their role in the parole board's decision. Selfe then asked the council to investigate all the doctors involved in treating Shaik during his stay at private and public hospitals since he was sentenced in 2006. Preliminary findings from the investigation are expected to be released next week. Full report in The Times