South African police chief Jackie Selebi, facing corruption allegations, has resigned as president of Interpol, the world police organisation said on Sunday. It said Selebi had stepped down "in the best interests of Interpol and out of respect for the global law enforcement community that it serves".
South African President Thabo Mbeki placed Selebi on extended leave on Saturday, a day after prosecutors said they would charge the police chief with corruption, fraud, money laundering and racketeering. Selebi has denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement, Interpol said the allegations against him had nothing to do with the organisation or with Selebi's position as its head.
Secretary General Ronald Noble said that in his experience, Selebi "has always conducted himself and acted in a way to enhance global security and police co-operation worldwide". Noble said corruption was one of the most serious offences a police official could be accused of.
"Interpol believes that any such allegations should be prosecuted thoroughly, and the proper manner is for charges to be brought promptly before a court of law and not through media leaks and speculation," he added.
A copy of Selebi's indictment, made available to the media by prosecutors, covers a range of charges that include receiving payments from his friend Glenn Agliotti, a convicted drug smuggler accused of playing a role in the 2005 murder of a South African mining magnate.
The indictment said between 2000 to 2005 Selebi received at least 1.2 million rand ($175,500) from Agliotti and his associates, including 30,000 rand from Agliotti a day or two after magnate Brett Kebble was killed.
The period in question overlaps with his tenure at Interpol, where Selebi became president in 2004. He was elected to the post by its general assembly, which brings together delegates from all member states worldwide.