JOHANNESBURG (Reuters):

South African President Thabo Mbeki has suspended the head of the country's public prosecuting agency because of a "breakdown" in his relationship with the justice minister, the government said yesterday.

The suspension of Vusi Pikoli as national director of public prosecutions is effective immediately, government spokesman Themba Maseko said in a statement. Mokotedi Mpshe, currently Pikoli's deputy, will take over the duties.