South Africa want speedy disposal of Gibbs case

As Herschelle Gibbs prepares to face the Delhi police in connection with match-fixing allegations, South Africa have sought early disposal of the case, saying the "sword" should not hang over the cricketer's head indefinitely.

"It is a matter of Delhi police and we as government would not want to interfere a great deal in the legitimate legal process," South African High Commissioner Francis Moloi said, when asked to comment on the imminent questioning of Gibbs when he comes to India next month for the Champions Trophy.

"However, we would want the processes like these to have some form of finality," he said, stressing on the need for expeditious conclusion of the case.

The Delhi police, in 2000, claimed to have uncovered a match-fixing racket involving top players, including the late Hanse Cronje, who was then South Africa cricket captain, besides Nicky Boje and Gibbs.

Boje and Gibbs have so far not been questioned as they avoided visiting India.

The Delhi police has maintained that their quizzing is essential in the case.

"Frankly, we can't have this issue hanging like a sword for a long time ... Speedy resolution of the issue will be most welcome so that we get on with the business of cricket which people of India love a great deal," Moloi said.

Noting that the issue comes up whenever the South African team is to visit India, the envoy said, "Cricket is religion number one in India and religion number three in South Africa. We should not deprive cricket-loving people of India of the opportunity to see some top cricketers coming here to play."

He said South Africa respects the legal processes in India and feels that "whatever is there must be laid on the table".

Gibbs, who will tour India with his lawyer, will not come with the team but will join his teammates a few days later.

He is likely to leave for India from South Africa on October 11 and be questioned on October 12 and 14 by the Delhi police, according to cricket officials in South Africa.

The right-handed batsman had opted out of the two previous tours of India in 2004 and 2005 apprehending arrest and questioning.