Glenn Agliotti, a convicted South African drug smuggler, has been acquitted of the murder of Brett Kebble, a mining magnate. The trial which began in July after seven postponements ended with the acquittal verdict on Thursday by Judge Frans Kgomo.
Brett Kebble who was shot to death in Sept 2005, was a prominent philanthropist besides being an enthusiastic mining entrepreneur. He was shot while he was in his Mercedes in northern Johannesburg. Kebble had been the executive director of Randgold, JCI and Western Areas until his resignation a month before his death amid allegations of financial irregularities.
Glenn Agliotti had been charged with his murder shortly afterwards. However the state prosecution was unable to provide credible evidence to support the charges. The police have been criticized repeatedly for their inadequate investigation. Agliotti was a close friend of the former national Police Chief Jackie Selebi who has been convicted of corruption in July.
The prosecuting authority spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said that they had a strong case against Agliotti. However Judge Kgomo said that it was unconstitutional to ask Agliotti to incriminate himself with his testimony.