"The minister has looked at the report, applied his mind, and decided the matter is correct," said Department of Correctional Services Spokesperson Manelisi Wolela.

Wolela was responding to comments from SA Human Rights Commission Chairperson Jody Kollapen that Shaik's parole should be further reviewed.

"I think, maybe what should happen, broadly, in the public interest —and I know the minister has indicated that he is satisfied the decision was the correct one — [but] given, I think, the public interest in this matter, perhaps there should be a referral to the review board," Kollapen told SABC radio news on Wednesday.

"Perhaps, what may be appropriate, is for the minister, or indeed the commissioner, to refer this to a review board. There is lots of concern out there by prisoners that the policy is not being applied consistently."

Wolela, using a legal basis, rejected the need for further reviews.

"I understand the public opinion is mounting but on the basis of the report, the minister has already applied his mind," said Wolela.

"There is no legal basis for sending it for review."

Shaik, the former financial adviser to African National Congress leader Jacob Zuma, was released on medical parole on Tuesday after serving 28 months of his 15-year prison term.

He spent most of that time in hospital due to high blood pressure, depression and chest pains.

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.

Sapa