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Dressed for jail
10/11/2006 15:48 - (SA)
Dries Liebenberg, Beeld
Durban - It was a different Schabir Shaik who gave his last free steps on Thursday, before going to prison.
The usually confident millionaire businessman who appeared in designer suits for his corruption trial, was on Thursday dressed for jail.
The tailored threads made way for black trainers, blue jeans and a simple white T-shirt stretching over his belly.
The Schabir Shaik who turned up at 08:30 at court, was not the same man who always had a sound bite ready for the media - which was how the press got to know him, shortly after the Scorpions started investigating him.
On Thursday, Shaik appeared to be hanging his head, looking mostly at the ground. He held his wife, Zuleikha's hand and also put an arm around her shoulder.
"This is obviously a difficult time for my family," said Shaik to journalists.
He began serving a 15-year sentence on Thursday after his appeal was turned down.
His family appeared drawn as Shaik told the media, "I wish my family only the best, especially my wife and child."
"To all the journalists that I gave a hard time, I apologise. There is peace in my heart and I'm walking on the path of my Lord."
His family have instituted a media shutdown and have asked to be left alone.
Only a few supporters were outside the Durban prison where the van transporting Shaik arrived at 09:16.
- Beeld
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