No parole, but Jackie Selebi to stay in prison hospital

No parole, but Jackie Selebi to stay in prison hospital
NICKOLAUS BAUER - Dec 28 2011 11:11

Jackie Selebi will not receive medical parole but will be kept in the medical wing of a correctional facility "indefinitely", the department of correctional services said on Pretoria on Wednesday.

"Following the medical report from the staff at Steve Biko Academic Hospital it has been decided Mr Selebi will be kept in the medical wing of a correctional facility indefinitely, after his release from hospital," the national commissioner of correctional services,Tom Moyane, told reporters.

After losing the appeal against his conviction for corruption, the former commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) began his 15-year jail sentence on December 5.

According to Moyane, Selebi has received intermittent treatment for "uncontrollable sugar diabetes" and undergone laser surgery on his eyes since his arrival.

The 61-year-old former top cop was then transferred from prison to the Steve Biko Academic hospital in Pretoria on December 19 and is currently receiving treatment at the facility's nephrology ward.

Selebi is undergoing dialysis treatment at the facility and his current condition was described as "critical but stable" by hospital officials.

"This department is trying to be as transparent as possible, to dispel suggestions that Selebi is faking it," Moyane added.

At this stage neither Selebi nor his legal representatives have filed a formal application for medical parole.

There have also been no recommendations for medical parole from the doctors attending to Selebi.

The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg found Selebi guilty of receiving money in exchange for favours and information from convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti.

It is understood Selebi collapsed at his home in Waterkloof on December 2 upon hearing his appeal against his conviction failed in the Supreme Court of Appeal.

For coverage of former police chief Jackie Selebi's corruption trial and aftermath, visit our special report.
( Mail And Guardian Online)