Selebi trial costs SA R14.5m

2010-06-15 19:11

Cape Town - Former police chief Jackie Selebi has so far cost the taxpayer R14.5m in legal fees as he fights corruption charges, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday.

Mthethwa said his department had by the end of last month paid almost R14.5m for Selebi's defence and "further accounts are expected" as the trial continues.

The minister was replying to a written parliamentary question by Pieter Groenewald from the opposition Freedom Front Plus.

Selebi went on trial on October 4 on two charges of corruption relating to his friendship with convicted drug dealer Glenn Agliotti and one of defeating the ends of justice.

He allegedly received at least R1.2m from Agliotti and others in the crime world in return for favours.
 
The Selebi matter has spanned more than four years, investigations against him having started in 2006. His defence is being handled by Jaap Cilliers, one of the country's most seasoned advocates.

- SAPA