POLITICS

Why is Shaik playing golf while Derby Lewis is dying in prison? - Pieter Mulder

FF Plus leader says there are gross double standards in way the two convicts have been treated

SHAIK AND CLIVE DERBY-LEWIS: DOUBLE STANDARDS

While Schabir Shaik plays golf while on medical parole, Clive Derby-Lewis is receiving chemotherapy for serious prostate cancer. According to Correctional Services Derby-Lewis apparently does not qualify for similar medical parole. No logical or legal explanation exists for these double standards.

These double standards seriously affect the credibility of the Department of Correctional Services and the relevant ANC ministers. Parole is not a pardon of the person's crime but a reduction of a sentence according to strict rules and regulations.

Shaik was released on parole two years ago because he was diagnosed as being "terminally ill". He has "recovered" to such an extent that he can go and play golf and allegedly have sufficient extra energy to attack a photographer.

Clive Derby-Lewis is at present 75 years old and his life expectancy is less than 24 months if the cancer is not effectively fought off by the chemotherapy. He qualifies according to all guidelines for medical and normal parole. He should have been granted parole in October of 2008 already on the basis of his age and according to recommendations of his parole board. The process was sunk numerous times by politicians. It appears as of his new application for medical parole is also calculatingly being held up.

The FF Plus will be asking for an investigation into Mr. Shaik's parole requirements in the light of the golf incident as well as to the reasons for the hold up of Clive Derby-Lewis' parole application.

Statement issued by Dr. Pieter Mulder, FF Plus Leader, February 28 2011

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