Former NPA heads label Selebi a liar

A report in The Times notes that on the first day of his trial yesterday, Selebi - who faces charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice - alleged Pikoli and Ngcuka had conspired against him to cover their own corrupt behaviour. In his 'not guilty' plea explanation read out by his lawyer, Advocate Jaap Cilliers SC, in the South Gauteng High Court, Selebi accused Ngcuka and his successor, Pikoli, of soliciting criminals to create 'false statements' against him. The report notes the state alleges that Selebi made R1.2m from corrupt relationships with druglord Glenn Agliotti, slain mining magnate Brett Kebble and former Hyundai boss Billy Rautenbach. A report on the IoL site says Selebi alleged Ngcuka attempted to extort a bribe from Rautenbach and Pikoli's wife received money from Kebble's companies. The trial was stood down to today on the request of prosecutor Gerrie Nel. According to a report on the News24 site, Joffe warned both parties that he would not tolerate any games in court. 'It is my intention that this trial must run as smoothly as possible,' said Joffe. Full report on the IoL site Full report on the News24 site

Selebi told the court he had lost favour with Ngcuka and Pikoli after supporting the dissolution of the elite crime-fighting unit, the Scorpions, notes The Times report. It says Selebi claimed to have information that Pikoli's wife, Nozuko Majola-Pikoli, received 'material gratification' from Kebble in the form of shares in mining company Simmer & Jack Ltd and Jaganda Ltd. But the two vehemently denied the allegations. Ngcuka, who treated all the allegations 'with contempt', went so far as to say he would 'attend any court of law' if asked to defend himself. 'I never attempted to extort or receive bribes from Rautenbach's team, or anyone else for that matter. Not then and not now. It is an outright lie,' he said. Ngcuka asked why, if Selebi had this information, 'did he not charge me following his alleged discovery? If Mr Selebi, or anyone else, has evidence of my criminal involvement, they must present it in court.' The report quotes SA Institute of Race Relations' deputy chief executive, Frans Cronje, as saying it was a 'peculiar defence' from Selebi, who he said seemed to be reverting to 'questionable tactics'. 'Why, if he was such a good police commissioner, did he not see to it that Pikoli and Ngcuka were prosecuted? Our law places an onus on people who are aware of corruption to report it.' Full report in The Times See also a Beeld report

Pikoli accused Selebi of attempting to 'create the impression that he (Selebi) is a 'victim', notes a Mail & Guardian Online report. According to Pikoli's lawyer, Aslam Moosajee, of Deneys Reitz attorneys, the Pikolis deny receiving any gratification from Kebble of the JCI Group. 'Ms (Nozuko) Pikoli does not own any shares and did not previously own any shares in Simmer & Jack Limited and Jaganda (Pty) Limited. Ms Pikoli owns 2% of the shares in Vulisango (Pty) Limited, in which she became a shareholder, after Mr (Lizo) Njenje (a close friend of hers) invited her to take up a shareholding in Vulisango (Pty) Limited. Ms Pikoli had no business dealings with Mr Kebble.' Njenje was appointed the new head of the National Intelligence Agency on Friday, notes the report. 'It is clear that Mr Selebi's latest allegations are an attempt to deflect attention away from the very serious charges he is facing and a ruse designed to create the impression that Mr Selebi is a victim,' Moosajee said. Full Mail & Guardian Online report

The case has been strengthened by the surprise inclusion of returned fugitive Rautenbach, says a Mail & Guardian Online report. Rautenbach, who had been wanted on fraud charges since he skipped the country in 1999, recently cut a deal with the NPA. He is expected to tell the court about his approach to the prosecution's lynchpin witness Agliotti in order to facilitate the alleged bribing of the former police National Commissioner. The report says Pikoli, who is also on the witness list, is expected to corroborate this by testifying about alleged attempts by Selebi to persuade him not to pursue charges against Rautenbach. The report notes Rautenbach's long-time lawyer James Ramsay is also listed as a witness. Full Mail & Guardian Online report

Selebi's prosecutors have more than doubled their list of potential witnesses against him - but cut several prominent Scorpions investigators from the final line-up, says a report in The Star. The witness list's new additions include the former Police Commissioner's alleged girlfriend, Nontombi Matshoba, acting prosecuting boss Mokotedi Mpshe, more than a dozen top police officials, as well as Rautenbach. Police top brass on the witness list include Deputy National Commissioner Tim Williams, Crime Intelligence boss Mulangi Mphego and head of detectives Rayman Lalla. The report says it remains unclear why the NPA has removed ex-Scorpions Piet van der Merwe, Robyn Plitt and Pieter Jonker from the final witness list. Full report in The Star (subscription needed)