Explosive revelations about murder, bribery and betrayal at the top levels of government are gripping South Africa, in the landmark trial of the nation's former police chief.

Jackie Selebi, a 59-year-old former anti-apartheid activist who became police chief and the president of Interpol, this week pleaded not guilty to charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

The case took two years to come to trial, bogged down in South African political debate in the shadow of former president Thabo Mbeki's fall from power.

The first days of testimony have proved riveting, as convicted drug dealer and murder suspect Glenn Agliotti took the stand, after making a deal with the state to testify in exchange for indemnity.

He promptly unfurled a series of stunning allegations about bribes given to Selebi — including R1-million in payments and gifts from Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hugo Boss.

Selebi once confidently said Agliotti "is my friend, finish and klaar (done)".

But from the witness box, Agliotti avoided eye contact with Selebi and once broke down in tears.

"It's not easy being here," he said, eyes watering. "I didn't want to be here to testify against my then friend and the accused."

Selebi is accused of accepting Agliotti's gifts in exchange for supplying him with sensitive information, volunteering his influence in a case against a friend of Agliotti's, and for turning a blind eye to his mandrax dealings.

He is also charged with tipping off the drug dealer that his mobile phone number had been identified in the investigation into slain mining boss and ruling party bankroller Brett Kebble, who also allegedly lined Selebi's pockets.

Agliotti — due to go on trial in 2010 for Kebble's murder — on Wednesday added to the scandal by saying he had bought shoes for former president Mbeki while shopping with Selebi.

"The accused was looking to buy the president a pair of shoes. I asked the shop assistant to please put that pair of shoes on my account as I wished to purchase them for the president," he told the courtroom.

"He needed to buy a size seven because the president had small and broad feet," he added.

While in power, Mbeki refused to act against his police boss, even extending Selebi's contract after the accusations were laid. Mbeki suspended the nation's chief prosecutor after the arrest warrant was issued for the police boss.

Selebi was eventually charged in January and takes the stand confronted with humiliating claims — such as a request to fund a Paris dinner after his election as Interpol president, for which Agliotti says he gave R30 000 in cash.

The former top cop claims that he's the victim of a political conspiracy by former prosecution bosses. He's promising to set off his own fireworks when he addresses the court in a trial set to last five weeks.

"I am ready to drop bombshells," he vowed this week.

AFP

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