Net closing on Selebi

The Scorpions launched two investigations after mining magnate Brett Kebble was killed in September 2006, one focusing on the massive frauds Kebble and his associates had perpetrated on the JCI group of companies, and another looking at Kebble’s murder and the crime network with which he had associated. One of these is murder and drugs accused Glenn Agliotti, whom the commissioner has admitted is his friend. Among allegations already reported, and denied by Selebi, is that Agliotti and Kebble’s former security consultant, Clinton Nassif, had made untoward payments to the commissioner. The report suggests the Scorpions and their parent organisation, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), have come close to admitting, in their actions if not in words, that Selebi was a key suspect. In November, the NPA tried unsuccessfully to interdict the M&G from publishing a witness affidavit which implicated Selebi further, claiming it would undermine the investigation. Scorpions head Leonard McCarthey said, in an affidavit submitted to court at the time, that this was ‘one of the most extensive, complex and sensitive investigations that the DSO has ever undertaken’. He stated: ‘Some of the allegations that are being investigated include allegations of targeted corruption of senior law enforcement personnel; laundering of large amounts of local and foreign currency …smuggling of drugs …the large-scale (movement of) contraband and counterfeit goods … and the assassination of individuals …’ Full Mail & Guardian report

Selebi’s association with stolen cars is also examined by the Mail & Guardian. As early as 1998, when he had just been appointed Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Selebi was reportedly shocked to discover that he owned a stolen BMW. Selebi told police he had bought the car in 1994 from a Soweto man who repaired and re-built motorcars, but he welcomed their investigation. Last year, there was a row about his use of a stolen Toyota Landcruiser impounded by police, which his spokesperson said was perfectly legal. Now, it is alleged, at the time he was taking over leadership of the police in late 1999, he tried to intervene to have another stolen car returned, this time a vehicle belonging to Rehan Syed, an associate of Selebi’s friend Imran Ismail. News reports in 2000 said police had seized three luxury Mercedes vehicles imported by Syed from Dubai. It was claimed these vehicles were stolen in the UK. Full Mail & Guardian report