NPA welcomes Selebi ruling

2011-12-02 12:04

Bloemfontein - Former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi must report to the department of correctional services in Johannesburg within 48 hours to start serving his 15-year jail term, the National Prosecuting Authority said on Friday.

The Supreme Court of Appeal earlier dismissed Selebi's appeal against his corruption conviction and prison sentence.

Selebi was convicted for receiving benefits from convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti.

NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said the State never had any doubt the judgment would be in its favour.

Strong case

“We had a very strong case and argument.”

Mhaga said even if Selebi tried to take the matter further the State would oppose the move. He also praised the State's prosecuting and investigation teams, saying they deserved to be commended for their handling of the Selebi case.

The SCA ruled the State had proved beyond a reasonable doubt Selebi received payment from Agliotti on four occasions. These include payments of R110 000, R30 000 and R10 000 as well as an unspecified amount of US dollars.

The SCA upheld the trial court’s finding that there were four instances which constituted Selebi providing a benefit to Agliotti in return for the favours received by him.

These included providing Agliotti with a report by British law enforcement authorities, a 2005 national intelligence estimate, an e-mail implicating Agliotti in drug-related activities and the attendance by Selebi at meetings and dinners, at Agliotti’s request, with his associates.

The SCA held that on all the evidence it was satisfied the State succeeded in proving Selebi's guilt.

- SAPA