Parole conditions for convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik have been relaxed, the Daily News reported on Wednesday.
The newspaper reported that Shaik, who was granted medical parole, had gone back to his earlier status after he was punished for violating his parole conditions last year.
Mnikelwa Nxele, the regional commissioner of Correctional Services, reportedly said that if Shaik behaved in the next three months, he could get another four hours during the course of the week.
This would mean Shaik would be able to move freely from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays, in addition to the four hours he was allowed on Fridays to attend prayers at his mosque.
Shaik's free hours were reduced from six to four after he was seen shopping in Durban on a Wednesday in December, it was reported.
Communications manager for Correctional Services in the eThekwini area Nokuthula Zikhali said she had been told not to comment on the matter.
"Our regional commissioner (Nxele) is the only person commenting," she said.
Nxele did not answer his cellphone on Wednesday afternoon.
Shaik was paroled last year after serving two years and four months of a 15-year jail term for fraud and corruption, relating in part to an alleged bribe he arranged between Zuma and a French arms dealer. - Sapa