FORMER top cop Jackie Selebi's corruption trial was delayed yesterday when the state security ministry said it was applying to the Constitutional Court to prevent a former intelligence official from testifying.

FORMER top cop Jackie Selebi's corruption trial was delayed yesterday when the state security ministry said it was applying to the Constitutional Court to prevent a former intelligence official from testifying.

This followed the dismissal of its application in the supreme court of Appeal on Friday, where the ministry had sought to prevent former intelligence official Barry Gilder from testifying.

"We've received an instruction from our clients to appeal against the court ruling," Hamilton Maenetje, a lawyer representing the ministry told the high court in Johannesburg.

The state wants Gilder to testify about a 2005 draft intelligence report which contained a single paragraph about allegedly untoward payments Selebi was receiving from mining magnate Brett Kebble.

But the ministry argued last year that forcing Gilder to testify could set a precedent where intelligence information could be compromised.

But , Joffe turned down this application in December, ruling that Gilder should testify in camera.

Selebi, who cut a lone figure at court yesterday morning, faces a count of corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His case is expected to resume on March 1. - Sapa