02 July 2010

The IFP has welcomed the corruption conviction of former South African police chief and Interpol head Jackie Selebi, arguing that the court ruling has gone some way towards recovering the image of the SAPS tarnished by Selebi’s blatant conflict of interest.

“The SAPS suffered a great deal of damage to its reputation as a result of the Selebi trial, not least because of the former police chief’s past involvement with the Interpol,” said IFP spokesperson on safety and security Velaphi Ndlovu MP.

The IFP feels that the corruption conviction has repaired some of the damage inflicted on the SAPS. “Today's verdict is a victory for South Africa’s fight against crime and corruption and it sends out a clear message that no one is above the law, not even those with powerful political connections,” said Ndlovu. 

The IFP has extended its congratulations to the National Prosecuting Authority on a job well done. “The NPA has proven beyond reasonable doubt that Selebi and his business associate Glen Agliotti exchanged money and favours,” said Ndlovu.

The IFP is equally pleased with the work of the judiciary during the long Selebi trial. “Given the sheer weight of evidence against Selebi, any other ruling by Judge Joffe would have raised eyebrows. We are most satisfied,” said Ndlovu.

The IFP hopes that the Selebi conviction will spur on the NPA to continue to root out rampant corruption wherever it has manifested itself in society.

“With the acquittal of Jacob Zuma before the 2009 elections it was clear that our justice system had buckled under political pressure, but today’s verdict has restored faith in our justice system. We urge our judiciary to keep it that way,” said Ndlovu.

Contact: Velaphi Ndlovu, 083 625 0803