Cabinet on Thursday reiterated that it would not take any action against national police commissioner, Jackie Selebi, arguing that there was no evidence of wrongdoing or involvement in illegal activities, but said that it would not hesitate to act if evidence of wrongdoing was found.

Speaking at a media briefing on the outcome of Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, government communications head Themba Maseko said that Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has called on anyone with evidence to come forward, but said that all allegations would be tested before any action would be taken.

“We would like to reiterate that the Minister of Safety and Security has said, namely, that until evidence of wrongdoing on the part of the national commissioner is presented, no action will be taken,” Maseko said.

Selebi has made front-page news ever since businessman Glen Agliotti was arrested last Thursday for the murder of slain mining magnate Brett Kebble. Selebi acknowledged a friendship with Agliotti.

Maseko said that no action would be taken against Selebi until more evidence was presented to government. “We do not have evidence to investigate the commissioner,” he said.

Maseko also denied allegations that the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions) was investigating Selebi and noted that the only investigation the Scorpions was currently undertaking in this regard was the Kebble murder.

Commenting on the tension between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Scorpions, which occurred again following the breakthrough in the Kebble murder, he said that tension between the two entities was inevitable.

“South Africa and the media must be alerted to the fact that such tensions will always be there as long as there are two investigating agencies which have the mandate to investigate acts of criminality,” he said, adding that the nature and extent of crime in South Africa justified the need for extraordinary measures, such as the existence of two investigating agencies.

Maseko reported that the Justice and Crime, Prevention and Security cluster was looking at finding ways for more effective communication and coordination between the SAPS and Scorpions.

Cabinet also lashed out at the continued leakage of details about investigations and warned that those involved would be prosecuted if found. Maseko said that the continued leakage of details about the investigations served to sow confusion, adding that it strengthened the misconception that the agencies were actively working against each other.