Police Minister must come clean on Selebi's legal fees

21 December 2014

The DA challenges the Minister of Police, Nkosinathi Nhleko, to come clean and make public how his office or the office of the National Police Commissioner determined the formula to have Jackie Selebi only pay back R1.6 million of his R17.4 million in legal fees. 

Minister Nhelko must explain why it is being proposed by State attorneys that Selebi only be required to pay back under 10% of his taxpayer funded legal fees.  We are utterly dismayed at this bizarre decision, considering the incredible humiliation he has brought upon this country. Never before has a President of Interpol or a National Police Commissioner of South Africa ended up with a 15 year jail term. 

According to reports today, Selebi, is claiming he may not be able to pay even this miniscule share of the legal fees - although he resides in a R3 million home, and receives a steady SAPS pension and medical aid. Surely he can afford to pay his own way?  He is regularly seen chauffer-driven in a luxury BMW while out shopping.

The Selebi-saga has carried on for far too long. He owes the taxpayers of South Africa the full amount.

Almost two and a half years after being released on urget medical parole to his luxury home in Waterkloof, it seems Jackie Selebi is still playing the justice system for a fool. 

R17 million could pay the salaries of more than 200 Police Constables for a full year. 

Selebi has disgraced his former office and his actions are an insult to the honest and hard-working men and women of the South African Police Service. He must pay up. 

Statement issued by Dianne Kohler Barnard MP, DA Shadow Minister of Police, December 21 2014

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