President Thabo Mbeki on Thursday defended his decision to extend National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi's employment contract, saying the suspended police chief has not been found guilty by a court of law.

Responding to MPs' questions at the National Assembly, Mbeki disputed suggestions by Democratic Alliance MP Sandy Kylan that his decision was not consistent with the values of a clean government.

"The fact that a person has been charged does not mean he is guilty," he said.

It was incorrect to suggest that Selebi's contract should not have been extended simply because he had been charged.

Mbeki this week extended Selebi's contract by one year. However, his post will continue to be held by acting police commissioner Tim Williams, pending the finalisation of this case.

Meanwhile, Selebi, who has been on special leave since his arrest following a probe by the Scorpions, will stand trial on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice in the Johannesburg High Court next year.

This follows his appearance in the Randburg Regional Court on Thursday when the case was set down for trial from 14 April until 19 June 2009 by magistrate Lalitha Chetty.

The State alleges that convicted drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti, murdered mining entrepreneur Brett Kebble, former Hyundai boss and mining entrepreneur Billy Rautenbach, and other "relevant corporate entities" benefited Selebi between 1 January 2000 to 31 December, 2005.

Sapa