If Mbeki’s shoe fits…
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has been implicated in the corruption trial of former police chief — and former Interpol President — Jackie Selebi. Convicted drug trafficker named Glenn Agliotti alleges that Selebi warned him about a British police investigation in exchange for cash and gifts. Allegedly, Selebi didn’t forget his friends: Agliotti said ...
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has been implicated in the corruption trial of former police chief -- and former Interpol President -- Jackie Selebi. Convicted drug trafficker named Glenn Agliotti alleges that Selebi warned him about a British police investigation in exchange for cash and gifts. Allegedly, Selebi didn't forget his friends:
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has been implicated in the corruption trial of former police chief — and former Interpol President — Jackie Selebi. Convicted drug trafficker named Glenn Agliotti alleges that Selebi warned him about a British police investigation in exchange for cash and gifts. Allegedly, Selebi didn’t forget his friends:
Agliotti said he had been asked during a shopping spree with Selebi to buy shoes for the former president.
“I bought shoes for the accused and one other person, ex President Thabo Mbeki. We were at Grays shopping, the accused said he was looking to buy a pair of shoes for the president.”
“He indicated to the shop assistant that he needed to buy a size 7, if my memory serves me correctly, because the president had small and broad feet.”
Mbeki’s office was not immediately available for comment.
Critics of Mbeki accused him of protecting Selebi, suspended in 2008, despite repeated calls for his dismissal. Mbeki always rejected such accusations.
ASHRAF SHAZLY/AFP/Getty Images
Joshua Keating is a former associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
More from Foreign Policy

America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose
Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.

The West’s Incoherent Critique of Israel’s Gaza Strategy
The reality of fighting Hamas in Gaza makes this war terrible one way or another.

Biden Owns the Israel-Palestine Conflict Now
In tying Washington to Israel’s war in Gaza, the U.S. president now shares responsibility for the broader conflict’s fate.

Taiwan’s Room to Maneuver Shrinks as Biden and Xi Meet
As the latest crisis in the straits wraps up, Taipei is on the back foot.