Cape Town – 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 conduct.
The Presidency confirmed on Wednesday that Ramaphosa acted after being formally notified by the JSCI that it had received a complaint against Fazel.
The committee will conduct an investigation in accordance with sections 7(4) and 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act (Act 40 of 1994).
According to section 7(5) of the Act, the President may suspend the Inspector-General if they are the subject of an investigation by the JSCI.
[PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SUSPENDS INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE MR IMTIAZ FAZEL]
President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended the Inspector-General of Intelligence, Mr Imtiaz Fazel, pending a decision in an investigation by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI)… pic.twitter.com/HaYPoZ5bBS
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) October 15, 2025
Fazel’s suspension takes effect immediately.
The Presidency did not disclose details of the complaint or the nature of the alleged misconduct, saying the matter is now before Parliament’s intelligence oversight body.
The Inspector-General of Intelligence plays a critical role in ensuring oversight and accountability across South Africa’s intelligence agencies, including the State Security Agency, Defence Intelligence, and Crime Intelligence.
Fazel was appointed to the post in 2022 after Parliament approved his nomination to succeed the late Setlhomamaru Dintwe.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/@CrimeWatch_RSA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
