Former national police chief Jackie Selebi arrives for his corruption trial. Sapa
Judge to decide on recusal
Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00
Judge Meyer Joffe will inform the High Court in Johannesburg on
Friday on whether he will recuse himself from hearing the
corruption case of former top cop Jackie Selebi.
"I'd like to thank counsel. I'm sure it wasn't easy to argue. It
certainly wasn't easy to listen to," said Joffe before adjourning
court until 11.30am on Friday.
On Thursday Joffe heard argument from both counsel over the bid
to have him replaced for alleged perceived bias against Selebi.
The State opposed the application brought by the defence, saying
their argument was weak.
"There is just no reason for the court to recuse itself," said
prosecutor Gerrie Nel.
However, defence lawyer Jaap Cilliers detailed incidents he said
Selebi perceived as showing pro-State bias through a "hostile" and
"rude manner" in which Joffe at times dealt with the defence team.
If Joffe decides to recuse himself, the trial will have to start
from scratch with a new presiding officer.
If he stays and court proceedings resume, State witness Glenn
Agliotti will continue with his cross-examination.
Selebi 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 Agliotti and
others in return for favours.