This decision will allow the board of inquiry appointed by President Zuma to look into allegations of misconduct against Phiyega.
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At the time, the presidency said government was still considering the recommendations made by the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the deaths of 44 people – 34 of whom were killed by police – during strike-related violence at Marikana in August 2012.
National Police Commissioner Gen. Riah Phiyega is suspended on full pay, Zuma’s office said in a statement.
Last month, President Zuma asked Gen Phiyega to give reasons why she should not be suspended while the investigation proceeded.
In August, Zuma announced his intention to institute the inquiry into Phiyega.
President Zuma established the inquiry, which concluded that the police had a “defective” plan and lacked adequate training for the type of protest they were dealing with. She met that deadline.
South Africa’s worst police killing since the end of apartheid sparked intense public and media criticism toward the police, mining companies, unions, the ruling African National Congress and Zuma himself.
Questions ranged from what happens when a police officer does not comply with procedure, how do station and cluster commanders ensure proper management of police pocket books and what is the quality of policing that the ordinary person receives?
When Mr Zuma made Wednesday’s announcement, the police commissioner was reportedly in parliament presenting the police’s annual report.
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McBride argued in a follow-up letter in March that the legislation was clear – that the commissioner was compelled to initiate a disciplinary hearing, adding that her conduct was consistent with her refusal to act against these police members, to the extent she failed to comply with the law.
