Editor Nic Dawes said an allegation to this effect aired on Thursday in Selebi's corruption trial in the High Court in Johannesburg was false.

"At no stage did any M&G reporter or employee attend any such meeting or indaba," Dawes said in a statement.

The claims were made by State witness Glenn Agliotti in a video recording presented by Selebi's defence.

He said in the video that members of the former Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) held a three-day indaba, which included a member of the M&G, to plan an alleged campaign against Selebi.

"They (the Scorpions) told me they went on a three-day indaba. They took one of the Mail & Guardian reporters with, so they could structure how they were going to report...," Agliotti said.

"The mouthpiece for the Scorpions is the Mail & Guardian."

In his reaction, Dawes said the newspaper's reporting on an investigation into Selebi was the result of in-depth reporting.

"The M&G was not led or spoon-fed. In fact, the M&G has not enjoyed a close relationship with the Scorpions or with the National Prosecuting Authority," Dawes said.

He added: "On at least two occasions, representatives of both agencies attempted to quash publication of allegations related to their investigation of Selebi."

Sapa

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