Evil and cruel mind - Pikoli

2009-11-17 18:44

Johannesburg - Former prosecutions head Vusi Pikoli reacted angrily to accusations on Tuesday about an alleged discussion he had with corruption accused Jackie Selebi about his wife's shares.

Testifying in the High Court in Johannesburg, Pikoli denied he was ever summoned and confronted by Selebi about shares his wife apparently received in a black empowerment company with a stake in mining company Simmer and Jack.

It has been claimed the shares were given to Pikoli's wife for free by Roger Kebble, the father of slain mining magnate Brett Kebble.

Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers put it to Pikoli that not only did a meeting about the issue take place, but that Pikoli became emotional and "used words to the effect that his wife was his Achilles heel".

Pikoli retorted: "It is only the work of an evil and cruel mind that can concoct such things".

Selebi, the former police commissioner, 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 convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti and others in return for favours.

At the start of his trial Selebi alleged his prosecution was a conspiracy against him orchestrated by Pikoli and his predecessor Bulelani Ngcuka.

Court was adjourned until Thursday after prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court former tax fugitive Billy Rautenbach would only be available then to take the witness stand.

Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers said the State had informed them it would wrap up its case next week.

- SAPA