Police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi will return to the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in the next stage of the investigation into allegations of corruption and defeating the ends of justice against him.
Selebi appeared in the court on February 1 after months of speculation over whether he would be charged or not.
The investigation against him also formed part of a complaint about National Director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli’s relationship with Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Brigitte Mabandla. Mabandla believed Pikoli had not kept her apprised of developments in the investigation.
Selebi faces three charges of corruption, one of defeating the ends of justice and an alternative charge of receiving an unauthorised gratification.
The state alleges that convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti, murdered mining entrepreneur Brett Kebble, former Hyundai boss and mining entrepreneur Billy Rautenbach and other ”relevant corporate entities” benefited Selebi between January 1 2000 and December 31 2005.
The estimated amount is alleged to have been R1,2-million.
According to the indictment, the charges include receiving money to cancel an arrest warrant for Rautenbach, a request allegedly facilitated by Agliotti.
Agliotti is also alleged to have paid for an Interpol dinner hosted in Selebi’s honour.
Selebi’s legal representative was not immediately available, but after the February appearance he indicated that Selebi intended pleading not guilty.
In January, ahead of his court appearance, he was placed on special leave, with Tim Williams installed as acting police national commissioner.
Selebi also resigned as head of Interpol.
He is expected to appear at 9am.
Meanwhile, President Thabo Mbeki has extended the employment contract of Selebi.
”[He] will remain on leave pending the finalisation and outcome of his court case,” government communications head Themba Maseko told a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday after Cabinet’s fortnightly meeting.
The decision was based ”on the need to allow due process to be concluded before a final decision could be taken on the future of his employment contract with the state”, he said. — Sapa