South African President Jacob Zuma has suspended police chief Riah Phiyega while allegations of misconduct are examined, his office says.
Last month, Zuma’s office launched an investigation into her role in the 2012 killing of 34 miners by officers during a strike at the Marikana mine.
It followed an inquiry’s finding that police followed a “defective” plan to break up the strike.
Gen Phiyega disputes the findings and defends police handling of the strike.
Numerous calls have been made for Ms Phiyega to be sacked over the case.
No-one has been charged or held responsible for the killings.
A three-member board will examine Gen Phiyega’s leadership decisions and actions which led to the death of the 34 mineworkers.
It will assess whether she or other police officers concealed information on decisions they took in handling the unrest.
Last month, President Zuma asked Gen Phiyega to give reasons why she should not be suspended while the investigation proceeded.
When Zuma made Wednesday’s announcement, the police commissioner was reportedly in parliament presenting the police’s annual report. She has been suspended on full pay.
She took the post soon after her predecessor was fired after being declared unfit for the position, because of his involvement in a dubious property lease agreement.
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