Former national police chief Jackie Selebi pleaded not guilty to all the charges read out against him in the High Court today and then promptly accused Bulelani Ngcuka and Vusi Pikoli of corruption in terms of his plea statement.

Boundary lines have been clearly drawn, let battle commence.

Well let it commence tomorrow with the matter only starting on Tuesday.

Why am I pulling for Selebi?

Two reasons:

Firstly I am acutely aware of the impact that the factional war within the ANC had on the careers of inter alia Hlophe, Pikoli and Ngcuka. To this day we don’t know how much of the cases against them and Selebi is down to creativity among rival factions and how much is true.

Secondly as a criminal attorney I know what it is like to act for someone who has been convicted through the press and abandoned by everyone. It is terrifying and debilitating. No friends, family or anyone else to support you.

Accordingly as Selebi is the last high-profile casualty of the factional war and in light of the negative press against him, I’m hoping that he turns out to be squeaky clean.

Wouldn’t that be something?

In terms of Selebi I’ve never met the man, his lawyer or any member of his family.

Accordingly I feel totally at ease when I say I would love him to romp home and stand on top of the Carlton Centre and proclaim his triumph for all to hear.

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Michael Trapido

Michael Trapido

Mike Trapido is a criminal attorney and publicist having also worked as an editor and journalist. He was born in Johannesburg and attended HA Jack and Highlands North High Schools. He married Robyn...

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