The Star reports that a senior Free State government employee has been suspended for his alleged participation in and statements made against President Jacob Zuma at the National Day of Action in Pretoria on 12 April.  

The actions of Teboho Loate, who is chief director in the province’s Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, have been deemed by his bosses to be “flagrant disrespect”.  He was placed on immediate suspension earlier this week by his head of department, Stanley Malope.  The Congress of the People (Cope) plans to take legal action against Premier Ace Magashule’s provincial government over the suspension.  Independent Media says it is in possession of a series of communications between Loate and Malope, wherein the “flagrant disrespect” remained a point of contention.  Malope has refused to explain what Loate had done to allegedly disrespect the president.  Loate said he believed attending the “anti-Zuma” march was what led to his suspension.

• Read this report by Khaya Koko in full at The Star

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