Shaik accused of assaulting journo

2011-02-27 13:37

Johannesburg - The Democratic Alliance on Sunday called for a full investigation into convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik's alleged assault of a journalist on a golf course in Durban.

The KwaZulu-Natal journalist was expected to open a case of assault against Shaik, who allegedly throttled her and slapped her face on Saturday, the Sunday Independent reported.

Journalist Amanda Khoza and freelance photographer Charmel Bowman were assigned by the Sunday Tribune after a tip-off that Shaik was possibly contravening his parole conditions by playing golf at the Papwa Sewgowlum in Durban on Saturday.

"While Schabir Shaik may not have been in breach of his generous parole conditions by playing a round of golf, a parole is a conditional release premised on the condition that you lead an exemplary life and do not commit further crimes," DA spokesperson James Selfe said on Sunday.

"If you do, you can and should be returned to jail, because clearly the concession granted to you, to serve correctional supervision outside prison, has not had an effect," he said.

Terminally ill

Shaik escaped serving 15 years behind bars for fraud when he was released on parole about two years ago on the grounds that he was terminally ill.

Khoza reportedly claimed that Shaik confronted her when she hid behind a tree to avoid being in way of play on the golf course.

He reportedly asked her to move then asked who had sent her and how he would know if she was not a terrorist.

During the alleged scuffle, other golfers allegedly hit the photographer and grabbed his camera.

Shaik was quoted in the Sunday Independent as denying the assault. He claimed Khoza was rude and did not produce her business card.

Correctional services ministerial spokesperson Sonwabo Mbananga was not immediately available for comment.

- SAPA