Monday, November 20, 2006 Edition 1
Angela Quintal and Christelle Terreblanche
Embattled National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi was due to join President Thabo Mbeki and Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula at a meeting of religious leaders today.
This is a signal that - for the moment at least - the highest office in the land still has faith in South Africa's top policeman.
Presidential spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitanga confirmed that Selebi - in the middle of a political storm over his apparent links to an alleged crime boss - would be present at the meeting.
While some officials have stated that this is a sure sign of Mbeki's confidence in Selebi, others sought to downplay this, saying today's meeting was routine and that Selebi would as a matter of course be present, given that crime was on the agenda.
Nor was this a public relations exercise to bolster Selebi's support, a government official said.
Selebi met Mbeki and Nqakula on the sidelines of the ANC's national executive committee (NEC) at the weekend.
ANC national spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama said allegations in the media about Selebi had been raised, but not discussed in any depth by party leaders.
This includes questions about the appropriateness of his friendship with Glenn Agliotti, who was arrested last week over the murder of Brett Kebble, as well as his alleged links to organised crime.
Selebi maintains he is a victim of a smear campaign, while Mbeki, Nqakula and the cabinet have backed him, stating that those who have information proving otherwise should present it.
Ngonyama said Nqakula had told the NEC there was no new evidence against Selebi. Nqakula said he was still standing behind Selebi, Ngonyama added.
Ron Steele, one of the religious leaders who last month issued a declaration against crime and violence, said today's meeting had an open agenda. The church leaders had called for a national effort against crime, similar to the National Peace Accord of the early 1990s.