Judgment was stayed in a complex dispute over the suspension of former crime intelligence boss Lt-Gen Richard Mdluli by the Labour Court in Johannesburg on Monday.

Judge Andre van Niekerk chose this ruling because a similar case was underway in a separate court.

Mdluli has also appealed against the High Court in Pretoria's interim order that he be suspended.

Speaking outside court, lawyer for the police, advocate William Mokhari said: "The effect of today's order is that Mr Mdluli cannot report for duty."

The Pretoria court granted the interim order to Freedom Under Law so that a review could be undertaken of the processes relating to Mdluli's original suspension and reinstatement.

Last year, Mdluli faced a raft of fraud and corruption charges relating to the alleged misuse of a secret crime intelligence fund to buy luxury vehicles.

He also faced a charge of murder relating to the death of an ex-lover's husband.

These charges led to his initial suspension, but they were withdrawn and he was reinstated.

Van Niekerk made no order as to costs.

Once the Mdluli case was adjourned, the court began hearing that of senior advocate Glynnis Breytenbach.

She believes her suspension is related to her investigation of Mdluli, but the National Prosecuting Authority denies this.