IFP Notes Shaik Ruling

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MR KOOS VAN DER MERWE
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON JUSTICE

November 6, 2006

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Justice, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, said today that the IFP has taken note of the Supreme Court of Appeal's decision to dismiss Durban businessman Schabir Shaik's appeal against his fraud and corruption convictions.

"The IFP notes the Supreme Court of Appeal's decision to uphold Mr Shaik's 15 years prison sentence for corruption and fraud," said Mr van der Merwe.

"This is great day for South Africa as the dismissal of Mr Shaik's appeal was a blow for the corrupt elements within our country and a victory for the anti-corruption fight in South Africa.

"Unless Mr Shaik finds a lifeline to use with the Constitutional Court the IFP believes he has now reached the end of the road. Shaik's failure to overturn his convictions now raises large challenges for Mr Jacob Zuma. In the original sentence handed down in Durban by Judge Hilary Squires it was found that there existed a generally corrupt relationship between Mr Jacob Zuma and Mr Shaik.

In conclusion Mr van der Merwe said: "It will now be interesting to see which path the National Prosecuting Authority decides to take from here."



FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Koos van der Merwe MP 082 444 4944
Liezl van der Merwe 083 611 7470