Selebi a 'caring boss'

2010-08-02 13:09

Johannesburg - Former deputy police commissioner Mala Singh on Monday described her previous boss Jackie Selebi as a caring person who championed women's advancement in the force.

However, her evidence in mitigation of his sentencing in the South Gauteng High Court was swept aside by State prosecutor Gerrie Nel who referred to her public statements condemning corrupt policemen.

He also produced a joint statement from all four of Selebi's deputies which said their boss was a victim of a smear campaign.

As the police's former head of human resources, Singh came under pressure from Nel to say that not only did she not condone dishonest conduct as said in her opening statement but she also condemned it.

She said her testimony was made on the basis of the person she knew at work.

Former deputy foreign minister Aziz Pahad then took the stand and spoke of how "Jackie was highly respected" as a student leader during the struggle against apartheid.

He said they knew each other from the 70s and Selebi was highly regarded because of his expertise and "dynamic leadership" while they were involved in the then banned ANC.

He described their life in exile and how difficult it was to have "no real resources" and be dependent on handouts.

Selebi was found guilty of corruption on July 2 for receiving payments from drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti.
 

- SAPA