Johannesburg - South African President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday fired
his police chief, who is implicated in suspect property deals, and replaced him with first woman head of the scandal-tarnished service.

Zuma removed controversial police commissioner Bheki Cele from the post after a commission of enquiry found him "unfit for office" over leases for police offices at far above market rates.

"Having thoroughly considered the report of the board and applied my mind thereto, I've decided to release General Cele from his duties," Zuma told a news conference.

He also announced a cabinet reshuffle, naming former prisons minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to replace unpopular defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who now heads public services.

Sisulu, daughter of anti-apartheid leader Walter Sisulu, had numerous clashes with soldiers and refused to report to parliament on her activities.

Transport minister Sibusiso Ndebele was also axed after a disastrous toll project on Johannesburg's main roads was stalled amid public protests.

Three years into his term, Zuma has become known for regular cabinet reshuffles, the previous one being conducted less than a year ago. The style is a marked shift from former president Thabo Mbeki, who kept ministers despite roiling controversies.

Mangwashi Phiyega was appointed the new national police commissioner with immediate effect.

A technocrat with considerable management experience, she has been a trustee of Nelson Mandela's foundation and an executive at Barclays-owned banking group Absa.