News that convicted fraudster, Shabir Shaik has been granted medical parole by the Westville Parole Board and the Department of Correctional Services represents yet another clear case of abuse of power by the ruling African National Congress.

This is clearly an attempt by the ANC to protect Zuma from taking this decision, should the ANC be elected into power.

This release is irregular as thousands of inmates with more serious illnesses are still in prison and more than 1400 die each year without being considered for medical parole. The ANC has once again proven unashamedly the length they will go to protect corrupt officials who have links to the ANC president. This includes convicted Travelgate MP's who still occupy their positions in parliament and are placed high on the ANC list.

The Congress of the People is taking legal advice on the legitimacy of the decision. South Africa deserves better.

Statement issued by the Congress of the People, March 3 2009

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