President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended South Africa’s Inspector-General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a parliamentary investigation into his conduct.
The Presidency confirmed the suspension on Thursday following notification from Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) that it had received a formal complaint against Fazel and would initiate an inquiry in terms of the Intelligence Services Act.
In line with section 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act, which allows for the suspension of the Inspector-General during an investigation by the JSCI, Fazel has been suspended with immediate effect, the Presidency said in a statement.
The nature of the complaint has not been publicly disclosed but the JSCI is empowered to investigate allegations of misconduct or breaches of duty by the inspector-general who serves as the civilian oversight authority for South Africa’s intelligence services.
Fazel, appointed in 2022, has been responsible for monitoring the activities of the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence and Crime Intelligence to ensure they operate within the law and uphold constitutional rights.
His suspension comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over intelligence operations in the country, with Parliament and civil society increasingly calling for transparency and accountability in the sector.
The JSCI’s findings will determine whether Fazel is reinstated or permanently removed from office.
No timeline has been given for the conclusion of the investigation.
JN/APA