The suspension of Hawks head Anwa Dramat is troubling, the Helen Suzman Foundation said on Wednesday.

“The suspensions, on the eve of Christmas, of the director of the Hawks and of his KwaZulu-Natal counterpart are troubling in so far as they destabilise the administration of justice, more particularly, the fight against corruption,” foundation director Francis Antonie said in a statement.

“In this festive season of goodwill it is with grave concern that the Helen Suzman Foundation notes the developments which have taken place among senior personnel of the SA Police Service,” he said.

“These steps, at this time of the year, relating to events in the distant past are curious and troubling.”

He said the foundation awaited further communication from the minister of police and the commissioner of police.

Dramat was suspended pending a probe into his alleged involvement in facilitating the illegal rendition of Zimbabweans in November 2010.

“Yes, he [Dramat] has been suspended pending further investigations into the Zimbabwean rendition,” said ministerial spokesman Musa Zondi.

Dramat had been placed on a precautionary suspension for 60 days.

“Maj-Gen Berning Ntlemeza will act in the meantime,” Zondi said. SAPA