The National Prosecuting Authority said on Wednesday it expected delays in the Jackie Selebi corruption trial.

The State Security Agency lodged a petition with the Supreme Court of Appeal, aiming to prevent former national intelligence coordinator Barry Gilder from taking the stand.

The agency argued Gilder’s testimony may compromise national security.

It apparently relates to a 2005 draft intelligence report concerning payments Selebi allegedly received from slain mining magnate Brett Kebble.

The application is not an urgent one but it is expected to affect the running of the trial which resumes next month.

The NPA’s Mthunzi Mhaga said, “It is unfortunate that the application to the SSA will require postponement to February. It is a process that is unavoidable.”