The Scorpions task-team probing the contraband networks around slain businessman Brett Kebble has arrested Clinton Nassif, the shadowy businessman who provided security and investigation services for Kebble.
Nassif played a controversial role after the Kebble murder, allegedly ordering the premature removal from police custody of the car the mining magnate was driving when he was shot.
At the time of his arrest early on Thursday, Nassif is understood to have been preparing to leave the country. He has recently sold his Central National Security Group and other assets.
The arrest may have implications for police commissioner Jackie Selebi. The Mail & Guardian has previously confirmed that the Scorpions probe includes the question of whether there is any significance to Selebi’s links with people around Kebble.
Selebi has repeatedly indicated he has absolutely nothing to hide and is “not bothered” by the investigation.
The Selebi connection
Selebi has also previously denied any direct association with Nassif, though he confirmed that Nassif’s one-time empowerment partner, Sylvia Matshoba, was his ANC departmental secretary before he joined government in 1994.
Nassif appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with alleged insurance fraud, but it is understood the arrest flows from the wider Scorpions probe into smuggling syndicates involving investigation of both Nassif and his friend Glenn Agliotti.
Agliotti, an acknowledged, longstanding friend of Selebi, has denied being involved in smuggling.
Agliotti has confirmed arriving on the scene of the Kebble murder about 90 minutes after the incident and phoning Selebi on his way there. Another source has claimed Nassif was also on the scene within hours.
Nassif’s Central National Security provided guards for Kebble’s JCI group as well as a range of private intelligence services for Kebble.
The Agliotti factor
The Scorpions raided Agliotti’s house and business premises a month ago on the strength of a search warrant that identified him as one of a number of people suspected of crimes ranging from corruption to drug trafficking, money laundering and defeating the ends of justice. He has not been charged.
However, Nassif’s arrest could blow the case wide open following hints in court on Thursday that he may turn state witness.
Scorpions Gauteng boss Gerrie Nel told the court that Nassif was preparing an affidavit and if the state was satisfied with Nassif’s statement his bail application might not be opposed.
There would be no benefit in the state offering Nassif indemnity in return for testimony in his own case, where he is the only accused. This suggests Nassif may be used to fry bigger fish.
A fishy network
According to confidential reports seen by the M&G, both Agliotti and police reservist Paul Stemmet were once frequent visitors at Central National Security, Nassif’s security company.
Stemmet at one time conducted undercover work for the head office of the police’s Crime Intelligence Service and was said to have then had direct access to top police officers. His name was one of those listed in the Agliotti search-warrant. His name has also been tied to Agliotti’s in a number of affidavits seen by the M&G in which it is alleged that he cooperated with Agliotti in the transport of contraband goods — or their seizure under the guise of a purported police operation.
Agliotti has also been linked to Stefanos Paparas, who is out on bail following his arrest in relation to the seizure, in July, of 762kg of hashish and more than a tonne of compressed cannabis.
That case, which forms part of the same broad Scorpions investigation, is due to resume on December 12.
The case against Nassif
Nassif is accused of submitting a false insurance claim after lightly damaging his E55 Mercedes in January 2004.
According to a provisional charge sheet submitted on Thursday, Nassif, together with others, caused further serious damage to be done to the vehicle and then submitted a claim for the total write-off of the car. He was paid out R500 000.
According to the charge sheet, Nassif “coerced other persons to make false statements about the condition of the vehicle after the accident” and “paid one Mazibuko” for having helped damage the vehicle and for making a false statement.
It is understood that Mazibuko used a forklift truck to “drop” the Mercedes at Auto Fever, another business belonging to Nassif at the time.
Even here there is an alleged Agliotti link. It is understood that Agliotti provided a statement for insurance purposes confirming the damage was done in the accident.