I'm ok, says smiling Selebi
2008-02-01 10:47
Johannesburg - The court case of National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi was adjourned briefly on Friday morning to discuss how to proceed as Selebi had not actually been arrested.
Selebi's lawyers and the National Prosecuting Authority huddled during the adjournment to clarify the process related to a court appearance under these circumstances.
In terms of an agreement Selebi was merely asked to present himself to court and was not in custody.
Selebi smiled and greeted friends and colleagues as he entered the Randburg Regional Court on Friday morning, where he is expected to face charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
He waved and gave a thumbs up, saying: "Hi, how are you? Are you ok? I'm ok!"
He looked into the gallery packed with journalists, draping his arm over the court dock.
Earlier police handed out stickers to control the number of reporters and members of the public expected at the court.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Tladi Tladi skilfully deflected persistent questioning from the pacing reporters hoping to gain further insight into the charges Selebi is expected to face.
The first two rows of the small court room were reserved for VIPs and reporters booked their spaces with their handbags as they waited for his arrival.
The charges are believed to relate to Selebi's relationship with convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti, who is also accused of the murder of mining entrepreneur Brett Kebble.
- SAPA