Selebi held a grudge against Scorpions

The deep-seated resentment between former top cop Jackie Selebi and the now defunct crime unit, the Scorpions was made clear at the Johannesburg High court this morning.

Selebi who is answering to charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice, which he has denied over the last three and a bit days in the witness box, testified during cross-examination that he "would never share information with them (Scorpions)".

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel put it to Selebi that he had an opportunity to "share information" with the Scorpions and former National Prosecuting Authority boss Vusi Pikoli, that he was privy to through his relationship with convicted druglord Glenn Agliotti.

"You decided not to share information with the Scorpions because you did not like them," Nel said, "I am using the softest word possible."

"You can use a stronger word," Selebi said, adding: "I would never share any information with them in those circumstances."

Selebi's main line of defence is that he was the target of a conspiracy by the media and the Scorpions, whom he openly opposed being absorbed into the NPA.

It was because Selebi championed for the Scorpions to be amalgamated into the police, he testified that they began an investigation into him.

Nel also referred to former airport security boss Paul O'Sullivan, and his so-called dossier. The so-called O'Sullivan dossier included statements and emails of witnesses making allegations against Selebi and specifically his relationship with Agliotti, this dossier was sent to the media.

Nel asked Selebi: "In the media campaign there was a link between you and Agliotti?" Selebi agreed.

"Why did you not tell Pikoli, Glenn was my source. Why did you not just tell Pikoli that everything in the media can best be explained because Agliotti is my source and informant," Nel asked Selebi.

Selebi testified: "I did not think it was important to explain my relationship with Agliotti whether he was my source or whatever."

Nel said that point was "so important" adding that Selebi was developing this defence during the trial. "Mr Selebi, are you now saying that because he was a registered informer that now explains your relationship".

Nel, continued to question Selebi over his version, when he called him Mr Pikoli to which Selebi replied: "I am not Pikoli - by the way there is no such person like that anymore."

Nel said: "I am not going to take you up on that."

Cross examination continues.