Convicted fraudster, Shabir Shaik should be given correctional supervision or parole on medical grounds, the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights (SAPOHR) said on Friday.

"SAPOHR have for some time now taken notice of Mr Shaik's frequent admission to hospital for medical treatment of his ailments, amongst others, his abnormally high pressure," said president Golden Miles Bhudu.

"His health is drastically deteriorating, despite the best medical treatment and attention he receives at both the Department of Correctional Services and at his expense."

He said that prisons were filled to capacity with minor offenders of whom many presented no clear threat to public safety.

"Imprisonment does not facilitate rehabilitation, it in fact hardens offenders by the experience and makes them more likely to commit an offences again."

Bhudu said it was a myth that locking up more offenders for longer periods of time would significantly reduce the crime rate.

Sapa