Pikoli blames 'evil mind'
Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00
Former prosecutions head Vusi Pikoli reacted angrily to
accusations on Tuesday about an alleged discussion he had with
corruption accused Jackie Selebi about his wife's shares.
Testifying in the High Court in Johannesburg, Pikoli denied he
was ever summoned and confronted by Selebi about shares his wife
apparently received in a black empowerment company with a stake in
mining company Simmer and Jack.
It has been claimed the shares were given to Pikoli's wife for
free by Roger Kebble, the father of slain mining magnate Brett
Kebble.
Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers put it to Pikoli that not only did
a meeting about the issue take place, but that Pikoli became
emotional and "used words to the effect that his wife was his
Achilles heel".
Pikoli retorted: "It is only the work of an evil and cruel mind
that can concoct such things".
Selebi, the former police commissioner, is facing a charge of
corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice in
connection with at least R1.2-million he allegedly received from
convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti and others in return for
favours.
At the start of his trial Selebi alleged his prosecution was a
conspiracy against him orchestrated by Pikoli and his predecessor
Bulelani Ngcuka.
Court was adjourned until Thursday after prosecutor Gerrie Nel
told the court former tax fugitive Billy Rautenbach would only be
available then to take the witness stand.
Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers said the State had informed them it
would wrap up its case next week.
Read more from the Selebi trial...