Top cop to probe Shaik fire

2005-08-24 22:52

Noloyisa Mchunu and Dries Liebenberg

Durban - Police have sent an expert from Pretoria to investigate the fire which broke out in fraudster Schabir Shaik's beachfront penthouse on Wednesday morning.

The fire is estimated to have caused damage to the tune of R2m.

Police spokesperson Phindile Radebe says that, as is normal in a case such as this, the possibility of arson is being investigated.

Shaik, his wife, Zuleika, and two domestic workers were asleep in the Yarningdale unit on Marine Parade when the fire started.

No one was injured, but axed deputy president Jacob Zuma's former financial adviser had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Durban fire brigade chief Mark te Water said a woman called Penny had phoned them at 02:12.

The first fire engines arrived within five minutes and the fire was brought under control 39 minutes later.

'Shaken'

Speaking to the Witness later, Zuleika Shaik said she and her husband were a bit shaken, but fine.

She said the fire had broken out in the unit's balcony while they were sleeping, adding that she was not sure how it started.

"Everything happened so fast," she said.

Her brother, Yusuf Vahed, said they were not willing to give out too much information as the matter was still under investigation.

"We wouldn't want to speculate, all we know is that there has been extensive damage and both Mr and Mrs Shaik escaped unscathed," he said.

Other units in the 20-storey building were not affected by the fire.

Flat was among those raided

The property was among those raided by the Scorpions last week in connection with Zuma's corruption trial due to begin in October.

Shaik was convicted on fraud and corruption charges earlier this year relating to his relationship with Zuma.

On sentencing Shaik to 15 years' imprisonment after he was found guilty of fraud and corruption, Judge Hillary Squires said the two had had a "generally corrupt relationship".

- News24