Associated Press
Former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi was treated in hospital after collapsing last week, but the DA has called for him to begin serving his prison time as soon as possible.
Johannesburg – Former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi must report as soon as is practically possible to start serving his 15-year sentence, the Democratic Alliance said on Sunday.
“We trust Mr Selebi will not contract a sudden case of Schabir Shaik-itis and that his current condition is in fact genuine,” said James Selfe.
Selfe said Parliament amended the Correctional Services Act to make it much more difficult to falsify the grounds for medical parole.
Shaik, the former financial adviser to President Jacob Zuma, was sentenced to 15 years but served just two years. He spent most of his term in hospital.
“We will be observing Mr Selebi’s incarceration with great interest to ensure that, in line with the principle of equality before the law, he is treated exactly the same as any other inmate.”
Selebi was admitted to a hospital in Pretoria on Friday, after he collapsed at home when hearing that he had lost his appeal against his corruption conviction.
He had until 10am on Sunday to report to Johannesburg Prison to start his 15-year sentence.
The SABC reported on Sunday that his lawyers had approached the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to have more time before handing him over.
NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhanga told the public broadcaster that he understood that the registrar of the High Court in Johannesburg would grant permission in delaying the handover on Monday.
Selebi’s lawyers were not immediately available to comment. – Sapa
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Selebi must serve his jail time – DA