The African National Congress insists that it had nothing to do with the granting of medical parole for fraudster Schabir Shaik, a party spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"Neither the ANC president, Jacob Zuma, or organisation knew of the pending release of Schabir Shaik," said spokesperson Brian Sokutu.

"This matter has been handled by the department of correctional services so it's very much a matter for correctional services."

Shaik was sentenced to 15 years in jail in 2005 on two counts of corruption and one of fraud, which, among other things, related to an alleged bribe he negotiated between Zuma and a French arms company.

Shaik served two years and four months of his prison term, before a parole board meeting on Monday granted him medical parole.

Zuma said at the weekend that, given Shaik's health, he should have been released long ago.

Sapa