The National Prosecuting Authority says it will oppose former police commissioner Jackie Selebi’s application for the judge in his corruption trial to withdraw.

Selebi brought the application last week and his lawyers filed papers in the South Gauteng High Court on Monday.

The ex-police chief is on trial on charges of corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

In the papers filed on Monday, Selebi’s lawyers explain why they believe Judge Meyer Joffe should recuse himself.

After reading the documents, the NPA has confirmed it will oppose this application.

It will have to respond to the defence through court papers on Wednesday and the application will be heard on Thursday.

While Selebi’s lawyers are still refusing to divulge the main pillars of their argument, it is likely they will focus on a spat between advocate Jaap Cilliers and Joffe over a crucial DVD and several tense exchanges between the two.