FORMER police chief Jackie Selebi took a swipe at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for orchestrating a media campaign against him.

FORMER police chief Jackie Selebi took a swipe at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for orchestrating a media campaign against him.

Speaking under cross-examination in the high court in Johannesburg yesterday, Selebi said: "My Lord, the media campaign, its source (referring to prosecutor Gerrie Nel) is the one asking me questions."

Nel was questioning him about a 2003 video that Selebi showed former NPA boss Vusi Pikoli.

This was after allegations that Selebi had organised a R1million party to celebrate his appointment as Interpol head.

Selebi is facing a count of corruption and another of defeating the ends of justice in connection with at least R1,2million he allegedly received from convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti and others in return for favours.

Earlier in the morning the trial was adjourned briefly when his brother interfered with court proceedings, making comments and pacing up and down the court.

Selebi was being cross-examined by Nel when his brother George made gestures and told Nel that Selebi "can't answer".

This prompted Judge Meyer Joffe to order Selebi's counsel Jaap Cilliers to "deal with him".

The man's interjections followed an argument of some sort between Nel and Selebi when Selebi took time to answer questions relating to a police reservist who was also being paid as a police informer.

The man, Paul Stemmet, was a registered police source who worked closely with Agliotti to give information to police relating to the smuggling of drugs and contraband into the country.

Nel had wanted to know why a police reservist was also being paid as a informer.

When Selebi stalled, Nel said: "For record purposes, you are not answering... ."

At this Selebi's brother stood up and paced across the courtroom gesturing with his hands. After Selebi muttered in reply, his brother shouted, "He can't answer".

The trial continues. - Sapa