State witness Glenn Agliotti seemed to transform himself into the fall guy for any dodgy dealings with ex-top cop Jackie Selebi in court on Friday.

Yet, the State could also claim victory in week one of South Africa's most startling trials, as Selebi did not deny showing accusatory documents to Agliotti ? but he maintains the intent was innocent.

Selebi's version of events emerged for the first time during defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers' highly anticipated cross-examination in the High Court in Johannesburg.

"I put it to you that you never obtained any improper assistance from the accused in any way... despite the fact on your version you gave him some money and gifts," said Cilliers.

"That is correct, according to the accused," replied Agliotti.

Cilliers continued: "But you agree with me, the basic proposition, now as you sit there, the accused in no way provided you with any advantage on any improper basis whatsoever between 2000 and 2006."

"I would agree with you, based on the fact that I deemed the accused as a friend... obviously I used that friendship for my own gain," said Agliotti.

Three years of delays

Selebi's case finally started on Monday after three years of delays.

The former national police commissioner is answering to charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

The counts relate to payments of at least R1.2-million he allegedly received from Agliotti, ex-Hyundai boss Billy Rautenbach and slain mining magnate Brett Kebble ? in whose murder Agliotti is the accused.

His lawyer did not deny on Friday that Selebi handed over two documents to Agliotti, which the State considers crucial to its case.

These documents are a UK intelligence report detailing Agliotti's whereabouts and an email written by former security man Paul O'Sullivan to the Scorpions on alleged criminal activities implicating Agliotti and Selebi.

But Cilliers said the UK report was two years old by the time Selebi showed it to Agliotti and it was a year after he received his last "gratification".

The defence argued the email was not a confidential document. Selebi received it from the press and handed it to Agliotti so that his lawyer could look at it.

"The purpose was clearly not an unlawful purpose, the purpose was to use it in proper legal proceedings by your lawyer," Cilliers said to Agliotti, who agreed, saying, "absolutely".

Issue of Rautenbach

The closest Agliotti came to laying some blame on Selebi, was during questions about their relationship with Rautenbach, who was at that stage facing charges of tax evasion, but has since made a deal with the State.

Agliotti said when it came to a payment of $100 000 from Rautenbach, Selebi was aware from where his $30 000 slice came.

Agliotti also testified again that Selebi, the then Interpol head, got information for Rautenbach on whether an international arrest warrant had been issued against him.

Agliotti tried to say this to Cilliers, but he was cut off by the defence lawyer.

"He should be allowed to finish his answer," interjected State prosecutor Gerrie Nel.

"But you have finished your answer, haven't you, Mr Agliotti," said Cilliers.

Judge Meyer Joffe grumbled: "Let me deal with that," requesting Agliotti to complete his answer.

"On the Rautenbach matter, that [Selebi's total innocence] was not the case," replied Agliotti.

On page two: Agliotti explains the Kebble situation