Selebi spent R56 000 on clothes

2010-04-30 12:42

Johannesburg - Proceedings in the Jackie Selebi corruption trial on Friday focused on the ex top cop's expensive taste in clothing, as prosecutor Gerrie Nel cross-examined him on his purchases from Grays.

Selebi admitted to purchasing clothes worth R56 000 in a single day at the luxurious Sandton clothing store in 2005.

"You bought clothes to the value of R56 000? Anything special about that? That was more than your salary," asked Nel.

Selebi said he had made the purchase following his appointment as Interpol head "to keep up the looks".

He said he had to look good for his first Interpol congress, and had bought "Brioni suits".

"It's top of the range," he said.

Forex and cash

To pay back the account, he "exchanged forex" and carried up to R25 000 cash to the store.

But Nel disputed this, saying Selebi had "used cash from [Glenn] Agliotti to pay".

"Otherwise why would you carry such a large sum through a shopping mall," said Nel.

Selebi had however denied receiving cash from Agliotti.

Selebi has pleaded not guilty to a count of corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice in connection with at least R1.2m he allegedly received from Glenn Agliotti and others in return for favours.

The trial continues.

- SAPA