THE SMART NEWS SOURCE | Feb 10 2010 10:13 | LAST UPDATED Feb 10 2010 10:13 |
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Former police National Commissioner Jackie Selebi allegedly tried to blackmail former prosecutions boss Vusi Pikoli into dropping charges against controversial Zimbabwean businessman Billy Rautenbach. Pikoli testified in Selebi’s corruption trial on Tuesday morning that on a trip with Selebi to the Eastern Cape in 2005, Selebi said to him: “You guys, why are you not dropping the charges against Rautenbach?” Pikoli replied: “Why should we?” to which Selebi allegedly responded: “Because I am in possession of a letter that can cause embarrassment to Mr [Bulelani] Ngcuka [Pikoli’s predecessor] and the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority].” Pikoli said he had then “dismissed the matter”. Pikoli was referring to a letter from Ngcuka to Rautenbach’s lawyer, James Ramsay, in which Selebi claims Ngcuka attempted to illicit a bribe from Rautenbach. An infuriated Pikoli also told the court that contrary to Selebi’s plea explanation, that was read out to court on the first day of the trial, he had never been called into Selebi’s office to discuss Pikoli’s wife’s shares in empowerment company Vulisango, the main shareholder of mining company Simmer & Jack. Selebi’s counsel Jaap Cilliers put it to Pikoli that Simmer & Jack was part of slain mining magnate Brett Kebble’s “stable”. In his plea explanation, Selebi accused Pikoli and his wife of receiving shares from Kebble in exchange for him [Pikoli] dropping fraud charges against Kebble father, Roger, and his company Skilled Labour Brokers. Raising his voice, Pikoli said: “I was sort of angry when a statement was made on the first day of this trial because it was an absolute lie that the accused at any stage called me to his office to confront me. That certain words were said at that meeting was an absolute lie, he did not ever not ever summon me to his office to raise the question of shares.” Pikoli also said he was not aware that Vulisango had any relation to JCI and the Kebbles. When chief prosecutor Gerrie Nel asked Pikoli about Selebi’s allegation that Ngcuka attempted to bribe Rautenbach, he responded: “It was equally astonishing for him to have said what he said to this court. [It was not discussed] at all.” TOPICS IN THIS ARTICLE
Comments
he was a not a top cop, he was a top criminal.
vongani kubayi on November 17, 2009, 1:33 pm
You are right Vongani, he was a top bloody criminal. They should lock this oke up and save the millions it is costing the tax payer in legal fees.
Apocalypse Now on November 17, 2009, 2:16 pm
Sorry Mavusana!
This will turn out, like the Mole Browse report, to be another serious error of judgement. This little turf war went too far and has cost us a lot in terms of the fight against crime. Again, sorry!! Swallow your pride and apologise to the country for allowing the crime wave to continue. I am sure that even John Stratton was offered indemnity to prove that Jax is a criminal. At the end of it all, we are not going to catch even the tadpole that Agliotti was!
Karimi Esakala on November 17, 2009, 2:35 pm
You guys are just spouting populist rhetoric that will not take debates anywhere. This case is ongoing and we should let the law take its course without this court-processes illiteracy to undermine the process........
Proudly_South African Proudly_South African on November 17, 2009, 2:41 pm
Few South Africans realise that Rautenbach is a bit of a hero outside South Africa. Rautenbach challenged the might of South African business with his Hyundai plant in Botswana,(apart from his wine farms in Zimbabwe, his trucking empire and his motor rallying exploits), showing that it was possible to assemble and sell for cheaper. The South African car moguls went out of their way to turn this African hero into a criminal. Unlike the Kebbles and the Agliotti's of this world, this man is no scumbag!
I hope and pray that Rautenbach will turn up to give testimony on behalf of Selebi.
Karimi Esakala on November 17, 2009, 2:46 pm
proudly SA. this people want evrything to go their way,they actually want to comtroll the judiciary system, when things go against their dreams they cry political influence and bid to appeal e.g prez Zuma'case, judge Hlophe's case, when it goes their way, they shout respect the decision by the justice system...talking about hypocracy
Africa 4 Africans on November 18, 2009, 11:41 am
Karimi Esakala:
I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. Billy will probably be arrested on the spot if he sets foot in SA. Wanted on hundreds of charges of Fraud and Corruption. Even has the dubious honor of being on Interpol's wanted list....
Morné Maritz on November 18, 2009, 6:36 pm
Good honest Vusi! One single voice of truth among all the sobbing and crying liars.
Woza Vusi Pikoli! Woza! We look forward to your return. We look forward to justice on behalf of the nation. To the most severe justice meted out against all those crooks in public office. Including the Big Fat Machine Gunner who has dodged the sword of justice through cowardice and crookery.
Citizen Mntu on November 19, 2009, 2:00 am
Well! Morne! Billy's here and he has not been arrested yet!!!
Karimi Esakala on November 19, 2009, 1:24 pm
Ha, yes, Missing Billy has popped up suddenly. In court. Dear oh dear, never a dull moment at Theatre SA Ltd.
Citizen Mntu on November 19, 2009, 6:14 pm
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