Selebi warrant surprises Nqakula
2007-09-28 13:49
Johannesburg - Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula says he was "taken aback" by reports that a warrant of arrest had been issued for national police chief Jackie Selebi.
He told reporters on Friday he was still to briefed on the matter by President Thabo Mbeki.
Nqakula was speaking after signing of a law enforcement agreement with the United States in Kempton Park on the East Rand.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Vusi Pikoli reportedly obtained the arrest warrant last week. Mbeki suspended him on Monday, citing a breakdown in Pikoli's relationship with Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla.
Nqakula said on Friday if the news reports about the warrant were true it was "highly regrettable" that he had not been informed of the matter.
Neither the presidency, the police, nor the NPA could shed any light on the issue on Friday.
"Nothing has changed. The police chief is on duty and he has no comment at the moment," national police spokesperson Director Sally de Beer said on Friday morning.
NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali said: "We have no comment - it's an SABC story."
The Presidency said it would not be holding a press conference on the issue on Friday.
"I'm not aware of any press conference - if one were to be held, I'd be organising it," said presidential spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga.
- SAPA