Tony Yengeni and Schabir Shaik are both enjoying special hospital cells, the Correctional Services Department confirmed today.

Spokesman Manelisi Wolela told the Cape Argus that when Yengeni had checked into Malmesbury prison in August he had complained of "respiratory problems".

"(As) part of the basic examination that is done when someone comes in, he declared (his medical difficulties) and that was also identified by health officials," Wolela explained.

He had spent the past two months in a special hospital cell.

As for Shaik, who is incarcerated at Qalakabusha Correctional Centre in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, Wolela said: "He was also examined and is provisionally accommodated in the hospital cells.

"But we'll be directed by the doctor as to which steps should be taken."

Shaik's brother Mo was quoted recently as saying Schabir had high blood pressure.

Wolela described the hospital cells: "It's the same, like other cells, but you might only have two or three prisoners in them. The food is the same, like anyone."

The DA's James Selfe said in response today: "(Individual prisoners' health) would be difficult to prove, and their medical conditions are probably classified information.

"There would be no way of proving or disproving evidence anyway, even if medical evidence was available.

"But someone who looks as healthy as Mr Yengeni looks, who is able to party with his friends in Milnerton with a beer in hand, does not look to me like someone who is suffering from a life-threatening condition.

"It sends out exactly the wrong message, that if you're politically connected, you get looked after and enjoy special privileges."

With acknowledgement to Murray Williams and Cape Argus.