Sunday, October 26, 2008
Selebi's office tea parties shock minister
Beleaguered National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi has been visiting police headquarters in Pretoria on a regular basis since he was granted special leave by former president Thabo Mbeki in January.
Police officials have told Weekend Argus Selebi often visits acting Police Commissioner Tim Williams at his office. The latest visit was on Friday afternoon.
Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthetwa has indicated on numerous occasions he would like to see Selebi replaced and a new police management appointed.
Trevor Bloem, Mthetwa's spokesperson, said the minister was "taken aback" by claims Selebi was visiting police headquarters and that "he will not take kindly to it if the acting commissioner is unduly influenced in the execution of his tasks".
Selebi has remained adamant his "hands are clean" and that he did not receive any bribes from his friend and crime boss Glenn Agliotti.
While some claim Williams is relying heavily on the awaiting-trial top cop when it came to making management and policy decisions, others are adamant his presence is "totally innocent".
Selebi on Saturday vehemently denied any claims of wrongdoing, saying his occasional arrivals at police headquarters were merely visits.
"I am not under house arrest. I am on special leave," he said.
Selebi pointed out that the present police management was more than adequately equipped to make decisions without consulting him.
He would "definitely not" try to unduly influence any decisions made by Williams or any member of the management team while he was on leave pending the outcome of his court case.
"The impression is being created that I am manipulating the situation. That is not true," said Selebi.
Selebi requested the extended leave of absence from Mbeki after the National Prosecuting Authority announced he was to be charged with corruption and defeating the ends of justice.
His contract was extended for a year when it came up for renewal in June.
Selebi is not on suspension, which, according to analysts, means he is still effectively in charge of the SA Police Service and he probably has to be consulted when any policy decisions are made.
One senior policeman, who did not want to be named, said: "He just comes in to drink tea with the acting commissioner. We cannot ignore him. He is still very popular among members of the police service and we miss his presence."
Director Sally de Beer, Williams's spokesperson, said Williams "does not discuss his diary or who visits his office" with her.
Morale in the national commissioner's office remained high and all staff were continuing with their duties normally.
"The police officials on the ground are expected to follow suit, perform their duties and let justice take its course," she said.
Posted by ZeroTolerance at 10:41 PM
Labels: SA POLICE
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