The family of convicted and paroled fraudster Schabir Shaik asked the public for "space" on Tuesday.

"Our brother is ill and the family requests that we be allowed the space to take care of him," said Shaik's brothers, Moe and Yunis, in a statement.

The Shaik brothers added that they " wish to acknowledge the support of comrades and friends during the long journey of Schabir's trial and imprisonment. Our greatest need now is for peace".

Shaik arrived at his Durban home just before 8am on Tuesday shortly after being released from Durban's Chief Albert Luthuli hospital.

Reporters had converged at the hospital by 8.30am in anticipation of Shaik's release but were told by hospital officials that he had already gone home.

By 9.30am, an array of media had converged on the Shaik family home on Innes road, Morningside.

Sapa