Selebi trial could be delayed six months

SANDRA LIEBERUM

JOHANNESBURG - Suddenly the trial of former National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi could be delayed by six months.

Yesterday everyone was eagerly waiting to hear confirmation that a letter of apology had been sent to the former police chief after a draft national intelligence estimate secret document allegedly carried the allegation that Selebi “was being paid by the Kebbles”.

Glenn Agliotti, the first State witness in the trial in the South Gauteng High Court, testified that a furious Selebi had shown him what appeared to be a classified document with the allegation. And, said Agliotti, Selebi had told him “that he would demand an apology”.

Last week another witness, Jurgen Kogl, confirmed that he had heard rumours that Selebi was in the “Kebbles’ pockets”, and had a statement sent to the authorities.

The former national director of public prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, testified a few days ago that he had initiated enquiries which seemed to confirm the existence of such a document. The wording which had annoyed Selebi was allegedly omitted from the final report.

Yesterday, prosecutor Gerrie Nel was to close the State’s case after calling the last witness for the State, Barry Gilder, to confirm that such a draft document existed “four years ago” and that a letter of apology had been sent to Selebi.

The defence was then expected to bring an application for Selebi’s discharge. But Gilder did not testify, although presiding Judge Meyer Joffe ruled that the question the prosecution wished to ask Gilder “did not endanger state security”.

Joffe ruled that Gilder could testify in a closed court with a prohibition on publication and that the court record be sealed.

This came after the minister and the director general for security had asked for an application for the setting aside of the subpoena served on Gilder and that he be excused from testifying since former national intelligence staff were prohibited from revealing any information.