President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended Inspector-General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a parliamentary investigation into his conduct.

The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) notified the president that it had received a complaint against Fazel and would conduct an inquiry under sections 7(4) and 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act (Act 40 of 1994). The Act allows the president to suspend the Inspector-General if he becomes the subject of such an investigation.

The presidency confirmed that the suspension will remain in place until Parliament’s committee concludes its process and makes a recommendation.