Selebi, an ally of President Thabo Mbeki, faces charges that include receiving payoffs from a drug trafficker, Glen Agliotti, The Guardian reported. Agliotti has been convicted of drug charges and is awaiting trial on charges of killing a mine owner.

Mokotedi Mpshe, the director of public prosecutions, would not say when an indictment will be handed up.

Selebi argued before the high court that charging him would damage his reputation. A judge found that failing to prosecute the country's top police officer would damage the reputation of the criminal justice system.

Agliotti pleaded guilty to smuggling two tons of hashish from Pakistan to South Africa and agreed to testify against other drug traffickers. Selebi allegedly tipped him off about the investigation and warned him that he was suspected of arranging the killing of Brett Kebble, who was gunned down in 2005.

Investigators said Agliotti called Selebi a few minutes after the killing.