Inspector-General of Intelligence Imtiaz Fazel has been suspended with immediate effect as Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI) launches an investigation into his conduct.
As the country’s intelligence watchdog, Fazel oversees the activities of national intelligence agencies, including the Crime Intelligence Division of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
His suspension comes shortly after explosive testimony by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused elements within Crime Intelligence of engaging in corrupt activities.
Mkhwanazi, speaking before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing corruption in the criminal justice system, claimed that when misconduct within the division was reported to Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo and to the JSCI, no action was taken. Khumalo is currently facing fraud and corruption charges.
Although it is not yet confirmed whether Fazel’s suspension is connected to these allegations, Mkhwanazi criticised the apparent inaction of oversight bodies meant to enforce accountability.
Fazel, appointed in 2022, was mandated to monitor intelligence structures and report to the JSCI on the functioning of his office. At the time of his appointment, Parliament described him as a “foot soldier” for the committee, responsible for receiving and investigating complaints related to intelligence operations.
In a statement, the Presidency confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa acted in accordance with sections 7(4) and 7(5) of the Intelligence Services Act (Act 40 of 1994), which allow for the suspension of the Inspector-General if they become the subject of a JSCI investigation.
Meanwhile, Khumalo appeared in the Pretoria Regional Court on Wednesday, 15 October, alongside two co-accused. The trio filed an urgent application to have their bail conditions relaxed so they could return to work. The matter has not yet been heard, and they remain barred from resuming their duties pending the court’s decision.
