Arrest warrant issued for SAfrica police chief

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 5 (Reuters) South Africa's prosecuting authority said today it had obtained arrest and search warrants for National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi, but would not act on them pending a review.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said its acting director decided to conduct a review of the case. ''This implied that the arrest and search warrants would not be executed pending the outcome of the review,'' it said in a statement.

Selebi, who is also president of the international police organisation Interpol, has denied allegations of links with organised crime.

The case could affect the ruling African Nation Congress' (ANC) leadership race. President Thabo Mbeki, who is seen as a leading contender, has backed Selebi despite calls for his sacking.

The leadership battle is seen as a stepping stone to South Africa's presidency.

REUTERS JK RK1509