Selebi will have state help
2008-01-31 21:18
Cape Town - National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi will fight his corruption charges with the help of state attorneys, but will need to find his own lawyers for his civil case, says the Justice Department.
"The state is helping him only if he's charged in the criminal matter," said department spokesperson Zolile Nqayi.
He said that the civil matter against the National Prosecuting Authority and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla was being handled privately.
Responding to a newspaper report that Selebi's state representation was apparently without the knowledge or consent of Pretoria state attorney head Aletta Mosidi, Nqayi said this was "absolutely incorrect".
"They know about the representation for Mr Selebi in the criminal matter. In fact, they recommended that in the civil matter he employ a private attorney."
Wants information on civil case
Selebi was due to appear in Randburg Regional Court on Friday where he was expected to be charged with corruption and defeating the course of justice.
In his civil case, Selebi would try to compel the NPA to give him information on its case against him.
Business Day reported on January 11 that this could set a precedent for future cases if he succeeded.
In normal proceedings, an accused was informed of what he or she was facing only when formally charged.
He or she could then ask for further information from the state in order to prepare a defence.
- SAPA