Sowetan editor Bongani Keswa was “placed on special leave” on Wednesday, Avusa Media said in a brief statement.
The group’s public editor, Thabo Leshilo, will stand in as acting editor of the daily newspaper, the media company’s editor-in-chief, Mondli Makhanya, said.
Leshilo is a former editor-in-chief of the Sowetan and Sunday World.
Makhanya would not comment further on the matter, other than to say “it is a matter between employer and employee”.
The New Age, quoting unnamed sources, reported on Wednesday that the suspension was related to “dereliction of duty”.
Leshilo submitted his resignation to the company last month, indicating he would be leaving at the end of February. He said he would disclose at a later date where he was going. — Sapa