Shaik out the truth

I read an interesting article in The Star of 23rd January 2012.
For those of us who require some background on the case- In June 2005, Shabir Shaik is convicted of corruption and fraud and sentenced to 15 years as a guest of the state, behind bars.
What made this case stand out was that the corruption and fraud involved none other than Jacob Zuma-oh yes, South Africa's current president. The court found (the now famous words) 'a mutually beneficial symbiosis' relationship between the two high profile best buds.

During November 2006 the esteemed Shaik starts serving out his invitation to the state's hospitality. On the other hand, his BBF is fighting his own corruption battle, which after some clever political play and wise appointments, is miraculously thrown out of court during September 2008. (And this is despite old JZ saying on numerous occasions he wants his day in court). To make things very clear- Jacob Zuma was never cleared of corruption nor cleared of fraud. The charges were dropped-not due to lack of evidence nor that there was no case, but because it helps to be able to use state resources as you wish. JZ was a powerful figure then and his being head of the ANC assured his presidency. Being on his side was a clever move.

After serving most of his jail time in private hospitals, with many perks he would not have enjoyed in the Chookie, Shaik is controversially released on medical parole during March 2009. He served on 2 years and 4 months of his sentence. 
After that he is seen playing golf, going out to dinners and living the social life- despite heavy parole conditions- oh yes, and the fact that he was released as death was around the corner- apparently. ( In the public's defense though- we all knew we were being lied to. Parole was a sort of payback for taking one on the chin)

Okay, now back to the article. In it our ex con laments that his BBF, JZ, has had no contact with him since becoming president and this is working on him, that he feels used and cheated. Mr Honest claims Zuma has only paid him back R500 000 of the R2 Million that he 'borrowed'. (The court saw it as a bribe-semantics I guess.)
 In the article Shaik tries to appear down and out and as sick as someone sitting next to The Reaper, so I will not even touch on that.

What I will mention that is of interest, is that there is nothing worse than a Shaik scorned and our budding author is writing a tell all book- with 'the truth laid bare'!
He states that he was offered a plea bargain but took one for the team due to his fear of being assassinated and loyalty to his 'comrades'.
He goes on to say-'I was (Zuma's) economic adviser and then his financial adviser. I could have said so much about so many people and brought so many down.' This admission is worrying in so much as he is admitting that there are many in charge who are tainted, yet protected. It is almost like a 'reveal' from somebody who used to trawl the depth with these crooks.

He also thinks JZ's call for a probe into the arms deal now is just a ruse and that he should not have tried to snuff one out earlier when the then Scorpions were probing high profile people if his conscience was clear.

What does Shaik want- a presidential pardon, for which he applied for some years ago. IF JZ grants it to him, it will be an obvious 'thank you for covering for me' but if he does not, he stand to have some dirty washing aired. Having said that, the latest bunch of government leaders do not seem to worry much about the public's opinion nor their concerns. 

I hope that Shaik publishes his book and that is goes on sale to the public. The ripples from this would be interesting. Having said this- I have my doubts if it will be allowed to go that far.