It is common knowledge that the relationship between National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi and controversial businessman Glenn Agliotti is the subject of intense public debate.

It is common knowledge that the relationship between National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi and controversial businessman Glenn Agliotti is the subject of intense public debate.

This has been especially so since the arrest a week ago of Agliotti by the Scorpions in connection with the murder of mining magnate Brett Kebble. Though Selebi has denied anything sinister about their relationship, this hasn't stopped speculation about the nature of their friendship and the storm gathering around the police chief.

President Thabo Mbeki and Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula might have expressed confidence in Selebi, but the serious allegations that have prompted the frenzied calls for Selebi's resignation persist.

These stem from the police's shoddy handling of the crime scene where Kebble was shot and the call Agliotti reportedly made to Selebi shortly after the murder.

In the light of all this, for the minister to pretend the storm is fired up by his (Selebi) detractors' rich imagination is intriguing.