'Warrant led to Pikoli suspension'

2007-09-28 07:17

Msimelelo Njwabane and Pieter du Toit

Pretoria - A warrant to search the residence and office of national police chief Commissioner Jackie Selebi was apparently issued last week and that is what led to the suspension of Vusi Pikoli, head of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

It has been learnt from a highly reliable source close to the NPA investigation that the warrant was issued as early as last Thursday. It apparently entails searching Selebi's offices, as well as a warrant for his arrest.

Selebi is believed to have complained about this to President Thabo Mbeki, which, according to information, led to Pikoli's suspension.

Pikoli was suspended by Mbeki this week, over what the president called a "breakdown of trust" between Pikoli and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla.

Neither the Presidency nor the Justice Department has provided any further clarity about this, and an investigation will be launched soon.

On Thursday night, the NPA would neither confirm nor deny the allegations and would say no more than "no comment".

"That is not our story. It isn't our information. The position of the NPA is one of 'no comment'. For the rest of the day that is how it will remain," NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said.

Neither Cabinet spokesperson Themba Maseko, nor Mbeki's spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga could be reached for comment. Their cellphones were off.

Selebi's spokesperson, Director Sally de Beer, said Selebi has not been arrested. "I am not aware of a warrant and do not expect him to be arrested.

"It's business as usual. He [Selebi] continued with his work as usual. I saw him today and he does not look too upset. He is a strong person. We [the police top management] have been through a lot together," said De Beer.

Clarity needed

Dr Johan Burger, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, said the president's office should clarify the matter as soon as possible.

Burger said the Presidency should make it clear whether there is a connection between Pikoli's suspension and the alleged warrant.

"They must say whether there is any truth in the rumour. If it is true, they must say what is preventing the NPA from executing the warrant."

He also said the allegations could seriously damage police morale. "It is bad for members of the police at all levels to hear that a warrant has been arrested for their boss.

"The same is true for the morale of the NPA. Are there only certain people that may be prosecuted?" Burger asked.

He said insufficient information about Pikoli's situation is now leading to such snippets of information filtering through. "The public deserves to be properly informed."

- Beeld