Three media houses on Wednesday presented an application for an order granting them access to documents relating to the corruption trial of former police head Jackie Selebi.

The Mail and Guardian, Avusa and Independent newspapers have requested access to all documents referred to in the trial, including witness affidavits and a KPMG audit into Selebi's financial affairs.

"The applicants claim entitlement as a matter of the utmost urgency to access such documentation to enable them to accurately and fully report on the proceedings in the criminal trial," read a founding affidavit by Mail and Guardian journalist Adriaan Basson.

Defence and State as well as the media's legal representative are currently in chambers in the High Court in Johannesburg with Judge Meyer Joffe.

Selebi faces a charge 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.