Agliotti's testimony nears end

2009-11-03 08:26

Johannesburg - Convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti's time on the witness stand is drawing to an end, as the corruption case of former police head Jackie Selebi resumes on Tuesday.

Agliotti, who has given evidence in chief, finished cross-examination and began re-examination on Monday.

In terms of a deal Agliotti made with the State in the Selebi case, he would receive indemnity from prosecution on various charges if he testified "frankly and honestly".

On Monday, cross-examination wrapped up with Agliotti declaring, once again, that according to his understanding of the word, he never bribed Selebi.

"I still maintain to this day that I never bribed the accused."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel began re-examination by disputing Agliotti's claim that it was only through his lawyer Laurance Hodes that he came to understand what bribery meant. Nel called this a "recent fabrication" and a "concocted version".

Complaints against prosecution

Also expected to be raised on Tuesday is the defence's request for an application to put on record various complaints against the prosecution.

"We have prepared a brief application for a special entry into the record," Cilliers said on Monday.

"We have complained about the statement we received [from the prosecution very late]. We haven't received certain statements."

The application appeared a surprise to Nel.

"This is the first I have heard about this. I never expected this," he told the court.

Selebi is facing a charge of corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice in connection with at least R1.2m he allegedly received from Agliotti and others in return for favours.

- SAPA