Johannesburg - Former South African police chief Jackie Selebi arrived at prison on Monday after being sentenced to 15 years for accepting bribes from a drug smuggler in a case that highlighted the reach of corruption in the country.
Selebi, the most senior member of the ruling African National Congress to be found guilty of corruption, collapsed on Friday after hearing his appeal had failed, raising doubts about when he would start his jail term.
Local media said he had been taken into Pretoria's main prison in a wheelchair late on Monday, accompanied by his wife. The reports said he was in pyjamas and did not appear to be fully conscious.
There has been no comment from the Justice Ministry on what is a very sensitive case given the prominent role that Selebi played in the ANC's struggle against white-minority rule.
During his trial, the court heard that known drug dealer Glenn Agliotti paid R1.2-million to Selebi, who was also president of the international police agency Interpol at the time, to turn a blind eye to his activities.
Corruption has become rife in South Africa since the end of apartheid 17 years ago. President Jacob Zuma fired two Cabinet ministers in October in a bid to dispel accusations that he is soft on graft. - Reuters