Former police commissioner Jackie Selebi's sentencing procedures were postponed to August 2 to hear more witnesses brought forward as the South Gauteng High Court heard evidence in mitigation of sentence.

Jackie Selebi received a glowing testimony from a former colleague as evidence in mitigation began on Wednesday. He is attempting to escape the minimum sentence of 15 years for his crimes.

"I have great respect for him... He was an exceptional leader," said retired commissioner Denn Alberts.

He considered Selebi a "hands on" policeman and if you needed to talk to him you did not need to make an appointment.

Selebi often suggested different approaches to crime prevention and colleagues who had been on the beat for years were often surprised by the success of his methods.

However State prosecutor Gerrie Nel took Alberts to task on statements he had made while still commissioner on how he deplored corruption.

The legal teams involved have agreed that Selebi will pay back R230 000 considered to be proceeds of crime. Earlier this month, he was found guilty of having a corrupt relationship with self confessed drug-lord Glenn Agliotti.

Sentencing was interrupted briefly at the South Gauteng High Court on Wednesday morning to allow the forfeiture agreement to be concluded.