Agliotti brings up Ngcuka, Pikoli again

2009-10-08 22:11

Convicted drug dealer Glenn Agliotti leaves the South Gauteng High Court where he testified in the corruption trial of ex-police chief Jackie Selebi. (Werner Beukes, Sapa)

Johannesburg - Accusations against former director of public prosecutions Bulelani Ncguka and the wife of former NPA boss Vusi Pikoli again emerged during the corruption trial of former top cop Jackie Selebi in the South Gauteng High Court court on Thursday.

During cross-examination of convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti, defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers brought up an e-mail he said James Tidmarsh - a lawyer for ex-Hyundai boss Billy Rautenbach - had given to Selebi, who is accused of having received payments from Rautenbach.

He said allegations were made that Ncguka was suspected of being controlled by foreign intelligence.

"What was further stated was crime intelligence's worry and government's worry was that Ngcuka was controlled by foreign intelligence agencies and that they may [control him via means] of blackmail."

Cilliers said he did not want to elaborate on what this blackmail allegedly could have been.

'Ngcuka interested in mining rights'

Cilliers then asked Agliotti if he also understood that Tidmarsh had told Selebi "Ngcuka was especially very interested in the mining situation and mining rights, allegedly in the DRC and also to an extent in Zimbabwe".

"That is correct," said Agliotti.

Asked if he believed Pikoli's wife had been given shares for free by Roger Kebble in a black empowerment company with a stake in mining company Simmer and Jack, Agliotti said: "She did and still does."

Roger is the father of slain mining magnate Brett Kebble.

Grudge held against Selebi

Agliotti also testified that both he and Selebi had fallen out with Paul Stemmet, once in charge of security for Brett Kebble and also a police informer and reservist.

Agliotti agreed with Cilliers that Stemmet had held a serious grudge against Selebi, because the SA Police Services terminated his services as an informant and also as a police reservist because of "serious dishonest conduct".

Agliotti also said Stemmet had told him "in his own words" he would go to the Directorate of Special Operations with accusations against Selebi.

'I don't like Nel'

There was no love lost between him and Stemmet either, Agliotti said.

"During early 2006 I did not have a relationship with him anymore when he told me he was going to the Scorpions because the accused had basically discharged him."

Earlier during proceedings, Agliotti clearly expressed his disdain for prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

"I don't particularly like Mr Nel and I say that with respect. I believe the accused doesn't like Mr Nel and I don't think many people that I know like Mr Nel, and I say that with respect," Agliotti said shortly before breaking down in tears.

After proceedings finished on Thursday, a somewhat heated discussion between Nel and Cilliers emerged over the conditions of Agliotti's house arrest.

Nel told the defence lawyer if there was a problem with the matter Agliotti should consult his legal advisors and have the issue addressed on Friday.
 

- SAPA