/ 26 June 2008

Selebi lawyers want case struck from roll

Lawyers for police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi want his case to be struck from the roll, the Randburg Magistrate’s Court heard on Thursday.

His lawyer, Jaap Cilliers, said that Selebi wants the matter to be dealt with as soon as possible, but there is concern that the case might have to stand down until April next year because the state is not ready to proceed.

”Our concern is based on the fact that the state is not in a position to proceed with trial,” he said, adding that it might be postponed again in April.

Selebi first appeared in the court on February 1 to face charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

The indictment presented alleged that this related to payments of about R1,2-million made to Selebi.

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.

Selebi’s contract was extended by a year after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Tim Williams will remain acting police commissioner while Selebi stays on leave, pending the finalisation of this case. — Sapa