NPA wants Selebi case heard in the high court

National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has indicated its dissatisfaction with the hearing of National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi's case in a magistrate's court.

The police chief appeared briefly in the Randburg Magistrate's Court today on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice. The case was postponed to June 26.

The offences are Schedule Five offences, and as such are regarded in a serious light.

NPA spokesperson Tlali Tlali was asked why the NPA had not yet formally applied for the case to be heard in a higher court: “On the basis of the charges that have currently been formulated, it is the view of the NPA that the (matter) should be heard at the High Court. Once we have completed our investigations, we will approach the court and seek permission for the matter to be transferred to the High Court...”