Selebi launches document challenge

Jackie Selebi’s attorney accused the Scorpions of ulterior motives as he told the Johannesburg High Court on Wednesday of difficulties in obtaining documents needed to defend the national police chief.

“We suspect an ulterior motive by the [Directorate of Special Operations] and/or the state,” said Jaap Cilliers.

Selebi was trying to get documents that the Scorpions, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) investigative unit, are using to build their corruption and defeating the ends of justice case against him.

He argued in an affidavit that he needs these items—which include cheque stubs, telephone records and warrants, so that he can prepare for his trial.

On Wednesday, Cilliers said it had been a “nightmare” to obtain documents needed to build a case for Selebi when he goes on trial in April.

Examples he submitted to the court were that it took months for the NPA to provide a document that should have taken no more than two hours to prepare, and he also explained how it became impossible to contact a witness to get information on an allegation of a free holiday Selebi received.

They had not answered any specific questions on “when, where and how much”, argued Cilliers.

He said Selebi was not using this application as a delaying tactic.

“We really want to proceed, this is no delaying tactic ... the opposite.”

Selebi was not present in court.—Sapa