Selebi hospital mystery persists
2012-07-30 16:47
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Johannesburg -There was no explanation on Monday for paroled former police commissioner Jackie Selebi's failure to arrive for dialysis treatment for a week.
Correctional services department officials directed all questions about Selebi's health to the Steve Biko Academic Hospital.
The hospital's chief executive Dr Ernest Kenoshi could not be reached for comment.
According to The New Age newspaper, Selebi received treatment at the hospital last Monday. His kidney condition requires that he undergo dialysis every two days.
Selebi was granted medical parole two weeks ago and placed under house arrest. He was convicted of corruption in 2010 and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Last week, there was speculation Selebi could have "jumped" the dialysis waiting list of about 80 patients.
Gauteng health spokesperson Simon Zwane said Selebi had not received preferential treatment.
"The decision to provide treatment was not taken on political grounds, but by his doctor, on medical grounds, after they assessed his medical condition."
Democratic Alliance spokesperson James Selfe said it was unlikely Selebi could afford to keep a dialysis machine in his home for the treatment, in view of the fact that he owed the state R17m in legal fees.
"I don't think it will be possible for him to get the treatment at home, since the dialysis machines they use are expensive."
According to The New Age, it was possible that Selebi was using his police medical aid to have dialysis at another health facility.
- SAPA
