Selebi gives NPA double headache

Johannesburg – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and lawyers for police chief Jackie Selebi have their hands full with two more legal issues as his April 14 trial nears.

NPA spokesman Tlali Tlali said yesterday they would appeal an order to hand over documents Selebi says he needs to prepare for his trial. “We filed our papers on Monday,” said Tlali.

The Johannesburg High Court ruled in favour of Selebi in February. His lawyers argued that access to many documents on which the state‘s case is based is his constitutional right for a fair trial.

The NPA says it disagrees on whether Selebi is legally entitled to some of the documents.

Selebi‘s lawyers have also told the NPA they will pursue a contempt of court order over the disputed documents in the Johannesburg High Court. – Sapa