SOUTH African ambassador to Oman, Yusuf Saloojee, has resumed his post pending the outcome of a probe into his conduct, an official said yesterday.

The return of Saloojee, who was suspended in July, was temporary at this stage, International Relations Department spokesman Clayson Monyela said in a statement.

"The department is unable to disclose details of the investigation at this point due to the fact that the investigation is still going on.

"Ambassador Saloojee's return to Muscat [in Oman] is temporary, pending the finalisation and outcomes of the investigation."

He said the department recalled Saloojee and put him on a three-month suspension on July 1. This was to allow for an internal investigation into allegations that he received money from MTN to secure a phone licence in Iran.

Turkish mobile operator Turkcell filed a lawsuit in a US court, accusing MTN of bribing Iranians and South Africans to secure the licence.

Monyela said that Saloojee had returned to his post to ensure SA had an ambassador to Oman.