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The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr. Jeff Radebe, confirmed that consideration is being given to the state paying for Jackie Selebi's legal fees for his appeal. He answered in writing to a question in Parliament posed by Mr. Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus. The consideration is in terms of Section 3 of the State Prosecutors Act, (Act 56 of 1957) and Treasury regulations read with the Public Finance Management Act.

"Section 3 of the State Prosecutors Act makes provision only for instances where actions are in the public's interest or where the state has an interest in the matter. In Selebi's case not one of these aspects are at stake. Taxpayers have already forked out R17 million for Selebi's legal fees. A complaint is now being submitted to the Public Protector to determine whether taxpayer's money is not being abused. The complaints against Selebi were not as a result of the performance of his duties and he should therefore be paying for his legal fees himself, especially the fees for his appeal case. It appears as if Selebi is being treated with gloves by some ministers and officials," Mr. Pieter Groenewald, chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus said.

"It is also unacceptable that the Justice department decides that the legal fees of Selebi have to be borne by the state and then the Police department has to pay this money. If the department of Justice decides that the state should carry these costs, the Justice department should carry the costs itself. With R17 million and more costs to follow, at least 100 constables could have been appointed to ensure visible policing," Groenewald said.