President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Imtiaz Fazel, pending the outcome of an investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) into his alleged misconduct. The suspension follows a formal complaint lodged with the JSCI regarding Fazel’s conduct in his oversight role.
In a statement released by the Presidency, Ramaphosa confirmed that the JSCI had notified him of the complaint and its decision to launch an inquiry in accordance with sections 7(4) and 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act, Act 40 of 1994. These provisions empower the committee to investigate any allegations of improper conduct by the Inspector-General and to make recommendations to the President on appropriate action.
Fazel, who was appointed to the position in 2022, is responsible for monitoring the legality and ethical compliance of South Africa’s intelligence services, including the State Security Agency (SSA), the Defence Intelligence Division, and the Crime Intelligence Unit within SAPS. His suspension raises questions about internal accountability and oversight within the country’s intelligence structures.
While the Presidency did not disclose details of the complaint, sources within Parliament suggest that the allegations may relate to procedural irregularities and concerns about the handling of classified information. The JSCI is expected to conduct its investigation in closed sessions due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence environment.
The suspension of Fazel marks a rare instance of direct executive intervention in the intelligence oversight framework, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations. The President has pledged full cooperation with the parliamentary process to ensure transparency and adherence to the law.
The JSCI’s findings will determine whether Fazel returns to office or faces further disciplinary measures.
