South African taxpayers are likely to foot the health bill for disgraced police commissioner Jackie Selebi, who received parole this week on medical grounds.

The Sunday Independent reports that Selebi needs daily dialysis treatment, and his medical aid -- paid for by the state -- could be used to pay for this.

He is still receiving state benefits although his police contract ended in 2009, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa confirmed in June.

"He is receiving normal retirement benefits from the Government Pension Administration Agency as he contributed to the fund and is therefore entitled to the subsequent benefits," Mthethwa was quoted as saying by the weekly.

"He is also receiving the normal Polmed [the police medical aid] benefits applicable to a pensioner."

Selebi was convicted of corruption in 2010, on charges first laid against him in 2007.

The SA Police Service Act states that a police officer convicted and sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine shall be deemed to have been discharged from the service.

It was unclear how the Act applied to Selebi's case and whether his state benefits should be withdrawn, as his contract ended before his conviction, the weekly reported.