Pretoria - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Wednesday that it has served subpoenas to witnesses from whom it sought cooperation with regard to the investigation into suspended National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi.
"The subpoenas relate to persons from whom cooperation is sought, and they have been served on them," the NPA said in a statement it issued in a bid to clarify some aspects of the investigation.
However, it said it will not provide the names of such persons as it believed it was their prerogative to do so.
The prosecuting authority said it remained committed to commencing with the trial on 14 April 2009 as the case had already been placed on the roll of the Johannesburg High court.
Further, the NPA said it rejected strongly the suggestion that the acting National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Mokotedi Mpshe, ever ordered a review of the subpoenas.
Although the NPA does not normally comment on ongoing investigations, it said the reason it did on the case, was to clarify some aspects of the investigation to avoid confusion.
Earlier the media alleged that the Scorpions apparently issued subpoenas to acting police commissioner Tim Williams, divisional commissioner detective services and former crime intelligence head, Commissioner Rayman Lalla, former head of detective services Johan de Beer.
The subpoenas which were reported by the media to be obtained from the Randburg Magistrates' Court, gave the SAPS until 27 January to deliver evidence, and were handed to the police on Tuesday.
Apparently the evidence includes documents, correspondence, video footage, case dockets, diaries and top secret reports.
Without commenting on this particular case, the NPA pointed out that it is quite proper for the NDPP to furnish the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development with reports as provided in section 33 of the NPA Act.
"On such occasions the NDPP may be accompanied by members of his staff," it said.
