Former South African police chief wants to appeal corruption conviction; prosecution opposes

In S.Africa, ex-top cop wants to appeal conviction

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s former national police chief wants to appeal his recent conviction on corruption charges.

Prosecution spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga says prosecutors received Jackie Selebi’s request to appeal Tuesday. Mhaga says the prosecution will oppose the request and present its arguments at a court hearing. No date for the hearing has been set.

Selebi was convicted in July and in August sentenced to the minimum 15 years in prison. He remains free pending appeal.

Selebi’s conviction raised questions about police commitment to fighting crime in a country with among the highest violent crime rates in the world.

The former Interpol president went on a leave of absence when he was charged in February 2007. His contract was not renewed July 2009 and a successor was named.