DA calls for arrest of Libya's Saleh

03 June 2013 - 14:03
By Sapa
President Jacob Zuma is greeted by Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli in 2010. 'Brother Leader's' money man, Bashir Saleh - who is on Interpol's wanted list - is in the background
Image: GCIS President Jacob Zuma is greeted by Muammar Gaddafi in Tripoli in 2010. 'Brother Leader's' money man, Bashir Saleh - who is on Interpol's wanted list - is in the background

Former Libyan political heavyweight Bashir Saleh must be arrested if he is in South Africa, the DA said.

Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard claimed Saleh -- the former chief of staff of slain Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi -- had been seen several times in South Africa, most recently at the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit in Durban earlier this year.

"If this is the case, and his identity was fully known, then it would seem that South Africa is deliberately harbouring a fugitive," said Kohler-Barnard.

She said the DA would ask the portfolio committee on police to provide clarity about why Saleh, who was on Interpol's most wanted list, had not been arrested while in the country.

National police spokesman Brigadier Phuti Setati said he did not have information about the issue.

"I'm not aware of those allegations, therefore I can't comment," he said.