The state security ministry on Monday brought an application to prevent an ex-intelligence official from testifying in the corruption case of former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Lawyer Marumo Moerane told the High Court in Johannesburg that the information former national intelligence co-ordinator Barry Gilder would be required to disclose was "classified, privileged information".

Gilder was a member of the Intelligence service until October 2007.

The application opposing his appearance was brought by State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele and the department's director general, Moerane told the court.

Gilder is expected to testify about a 2005 draft intelligence report which contains a paragraph about allegedly untoward payments Selebi received from slain mining magnate Brett Kebble.

The claim in the draft document is apparently made by businessman Jurgen Kogl.

Moerane argued that Gilder should not be made to take the stand as it could not be predicted what might be asked in cross-examination.

"That is the problem."

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel submitted that the content of the report relating to Selebi was already in the public domain.

Nel said he was "sensitive" to the state security ministry's desire to protect sources and methods of gathering information.

"But, M'lord, I'm just saying the application by Moerane is premature. The State will not lead any evidence that may prejudice their security," he said.

Nel said Gilder would, in all probability, be the State's last witness.

Judge Meyer Joffe said both the State and Gilder's representatives would need to present arguments.

"I'm not sure why we cannot cater for every eventuality. We could hear it initially in camera and make a decision afterwards if the evidence can be made public. I'd like you to consider that," he told both teams of legal representatives.

An ulterior motive?

Earlier, Andrew Leask, the chief investigating officer, denied during cross-examination that there were ulterior motives behind the prosecution of Selebi.

Defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers put it to him: "The prosecution of the accused was in fact decided on with an ulterior motive."

He replied: "I find it extremely difficult to even think that could happen."

Cilliers asked Leask if he knew about any huge remuneration from the Kebbles paid to the wife of former national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli.

Leask said he had no knowledge of this prior to the case.

It has been alleged in court that Pikoli?s wife received shares in a black empowerment company with a stake in the mining company Simmer and Jack.

It was claimed the shares were given to Pikoli's wife free of charge by Roger Kebble, the father of Brett Kebble.

Leask told the court investigators had not been able to consult with businessman Gavin Varejes, who allegedly paid for a holiday for Selebi.

Selebi faces a count of corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice in connection with at least R1.2-million he allegedly received from Agliotti and others in return for favours.

Read more from the Selebi trial...