Pretoria – A date for National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi’s court appearance is expected by the close of business today.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Tlali Tlali told BuaNews that the NPA had proposed 30 January 2008 for Mr Selebi to present himself at the Randburg Regional Court.

“We are waiting for Mr Selebi’s attorneys to respond confirming the date or proposing a new one,” said Mr Tlali.

“We expect to have an indication by close of business today.”

Mr Tlali said the decision on whether an indictment would be served on Mr Selebi once the court date was confirmed was still under consideration by the NPA.

On Saturday, President Thabo Mbeki announced his decision to grant Mr Selebi an extended leave of absence from his post as National Police Commissioner as of midnight, 11 January 2008.

He said the decision was made following a briefing between himself and acting National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Mokotedi Mpshe.

Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe was appointed as acting NDPP, after Adv Vusi Pikoli was suspended last year, while the President has appointed Deputy National Commissioner, Timothy Williams, to act as National Police Commissioner.

Adv Pikoli was provisionally suspended from his position on 24 September 2007 by President Mbeki, due to an alleged breakdown in the professional relationship between him and Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla.

His suspension is currently the subject of an enquiry being led by former Speaker of Parliament, Dr Frene Ginwala. - BuaNews