CRIME intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli's suspension has been lifted, national police spokesman Brigadier Lindela Mashigo said

"A decision was taken to lift the suspension of Lieutenant-General Mdluli and Major-General Solomon Lazarus ..." said Mashigo.

"This has been an internal process and will not be discussed further in the public domain."

Mashigo said the resolution took effect on Tuesday.

Mdluli was suspended last year after his arrest for murder and fraud - charges which were subsequently withdrawn. Lazarus was suspended pending an investigation into his and other officials' alleged abuse of the division's R200-million secret services account.

The allegations against Mdluli included defrauding crime intelligence to buy two new BMWs for himself and his wife, appointing or promoting family members to the agent programme and the unauthorised use of safe houses for his personal benefit.

Mdluli was believed to be trusted by President Jacob Zuma and was seen as the front-runner to replace General Bheki Cele as police chief.