The Democratic Alliance condemns the renewal of suspended National Commissioner of Police, Jackie Selebi's contract by President Mbeki in the strongest terms.

Given the fact that Selebi is due to appear in court tomorrow to face charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice and an alternative charge of receiving an unauthorised gratification, Mbeki's assertion that the decision was based "on the need to allow due process to be concluded before a final decision could be taken on the future of his employment contract with the state" is disingenuous to say the least. Due process would actually entail holding over any contractual negotiations until such time as this very serious case was finalised in court.

Apart from the obvious concerns relating to the charges Selebi is due to face in court, it is patently obvious that he has a poor record in fulfilling his mandate as Commissioner of Police. He was at the forefront of disbanding the specialised units within the SAPS with the resultant crime crisis facing South Africa.

This event is yet another indication that Mbeki cannot act impartially in his dealings with Selebi.

Statement issued by Sandra Botha MP, Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader, June 25 2008