Top SA cop shunted out of Interpol race ‘to appease Russians’

27 November 2018 - 07:00
By Jeff Wicks
Police commissioner Khehla Sitole, who submitted a glowing nomination for Brigadier Anbuen Naidoo.
Image: Moeletsi Mabe Police commissioner Khehla Sitole, who submitted a glowing nomination for Brigadier Anbuen Naidoo.

A veteran SA cop running for the Interpol presidency had his nomination withdrawn at the 11th hour to allow a controversial Russian candidate a clear run at the title.

Brigadier Anbuen Naidoo was forced to bow out of the race this week, and sources say the decision was prompted to strengthen diplomatic ties between Russia and SA, which had soured after SA withdrew its nuclear energy agreement with the Russians.