5 October 2007
Despite its normal policy of not commenting on ongoing investigations, the
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided to issue a further statement
relating to the investigation involving the National Commissioner of the South
African Police Service, Mr Jackie Selebi.
The NPA would like to clarify the status of the rest and search warrants in
this matter.
The Directorate of Special Operations (DSO or Scorpions) obtained an arrest
warrant for Mr Selebi on 10 September 2007 from the Chief Magistrate in
Randburg.
A search warrant was obtained on 14 September 2007 from the Deputy Judge
President of the Witwatersrand Local Division of the High Court in
Johannesburg.
The decision to obtain these warrants was carefully considered and supported
by the senior management of the NPA, including the National Director of Public
Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Vusi Pikoli.
Shortly after his appointment as acting NDPP, Adv Mokotedi Mpshe decided to
conduct a review of the matter. This implied that the arrest and search
warrants would not be executed pending the outcome of the review.
On 27 September 2007 information leaked in the media about the existence of
the warrants.
During the course of 28 September 2007 Adv Mpshe briefed the Minister and
Director-General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
and officials from the Presidency about his initial assessment and further
handling of the matter.
Later on 28 September 2007 Adv Mpshe decided that it would be prudent to
make an application for the cancellation of the arrest and search warrants
pending the outcome of his reconsideration of the decision.
On the evening of 28 September 2007 Adv Mpshe approached the Magistrate's
court in Randburg and the magistrate agreed to the cancellation of the arrest
warrant.
Adv Mpshe also contacted the Deputy Judge President and arranged to meet him
on 30 September 2007. At the meeting, the Deputy Judge President indicated that
he was not prepared to grant the application without further motivation.
Thereupon, Mpshe decided not to proceed with the application.
The NPA would like to emphasise that it will continue with the
investigation, and will announce a decision as soon as the review has been
done.
Enquiries:
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 333 3880
Issued by: National Prosecuting Authority
5 October 2007
