"The president is considering suspending him with full pay... pending [an] inquiry," presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

President Jacob Zuma has notified NPA head Mxolisi Nxasana that he is considering suspending him, the presidency said on Friday.

"The president is considering suspending him with full pay... pending [an] inquiry," presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.

"Details of the inquiry into his fitness to hold office are being finalised and they will be communicated to him in due course."

Maharaj said Nxasana, the national director of public prosecutions (NDPP), would be given an opportunity to make written representation.

Earlier, the NPA said Nxasana had not been suspended and that he was attending a funeral and therefore was not at the office on Friday.

NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube said Deputy NDPP Willie Hofmeyr would be acting in his place.

This follows a report in The New Age that Nxasana had been suspended.

Zuma announced his decision to institute the inquiry on July 5 after reports emerged that Nxasana had apparently not been given a security clearance because of past brushes with the law.

These included being tried for murder about 30 years ago. He was acquitted on the charge based on his version of self-defence.