INTERPOL statement regarding INTERPOL President Jackie Selebi

12 January 2008

INTERPOL’s General Secretariat is aware of the public reports that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa intends to charge the Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Jackie Selebi, with corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

INTERPOL is also aware from public reports that during Friday’s proceedings, Pretoria’s High Court concluded that it would not prevent the NPA’s prosecution from going forward.

The INTERPOL General Secretariat is carefully monitoring the situation.

This matter involving INTERPOL President, Jackie Selebi will be discussed by the Executive Committee at their meeting in February.

While it would be inappropriate for INTERPOL to comment on the ongoing investigation in South Africa, it should be stated that President Selebi has significantly helped the organization and its member countries to enhance security and police co-operation worldwide.