The Scorpions have secured a dozen subpoenas against several high-ranking police officers, ordering them to surrender evidence they need to prosecute Jackie Selebi, The Star reported on Wednesday.

Scorpions investigators began serving the subpoenas on the officers, including SAPS chief Tim Williams, on Tuesday.

The police have until January 27 to hand over the documents or appear in court to explain why they won't.

Randburg Magistrate Stanley Mkhari handed the signed subpoenas to Scorpions investigator Andrew Leask and his team at the Midrand police station on December 2. The police were initially given until Wednesday to respond, but this was extended to January 27.

The Scorpions are seeking evidence that includes documents, correspondence, video footage, case dockets, diaries and top-secret reports relating to the suspended national police commissioner.

Other police officers being subpoenaed are Commissioner Rayman Lalla and former head of detective services Johan de Beer.

Selebi's corruption trial was scheduled to start in the Johannesburg High Court on April 14.