Former national directors of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka and Vusi Pikoli have vehemently denied they are guilty of corruption, as claimed by South Africa's former police chief Jackie Selebi.

The revelations emerged in the South Gauteng High Court on Monday when Selebi pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

His trial got underway earlier but the first witness will only testify on Tuesday.

Selebi believes Ngcuka and Pikoli orchestrated a campaign against him.

The former head of Interpol said he learnt that Ngcuka had tried to extort a bribe from former Hyundai boss Billy Rautenbach's lawyer. Selebi also said Pikoli?s wife received shares from one of Brett Kebble's companies, Simmer and Jack Limited.

Ngcuka has issued a statement rejecting the allegations with contempt, while Pikoli says the claims are so ridiculous they do not warrant a comment.

Selebi alleges that prosecutors misled the president, cabinet and the court.

  • Read Selebi's full plea explanation.

  • Read Pikoli's reaction to Selebi's claims.