S.Africa Police Chief´s Friend Guilty in Drug Case

Selebi has faced strong criticism since he admitted he was friends with Agliotti.

Glenn Agliotti, an associate of South Africa's police chief Jackie Selebi, was found guilty of drug dealing on Wednesday after a plea bargain, the SAPA news agency reported.

Magistrate James Van Wyk sentenced Agliotti to 10 years' imprisonment, suspended for five years.

Selebi has faced strong criticism since he admitted the were friends. The plea deal requires Agliotti give evidence against international drug syndicates.

South African President Thabo Mbeki has stood by Selebi despite repeated calls by the opposition to sack him.

The outcome of the case came at a sensitive time, when ANC Deputy President Jacob Zuma has pulled ahead of Mbeki in the race to lead the ruling party.