Suspended SABC group chief executive Dali Mpofu was tight-lipped on Tuesday over his planned court action against its board.

"I'm not commenting on this matter until after the court [case]," he said.

He had also instructed his lawyers not to comment to the media, Mpofu said.

It is understood that the SABC has received a letter from Mpofu's lawyers in which he threatens to take legal action against the SABC board.

The letter was sent to SABC board chairperson Khanyisile Mkhonza and its acting chief executive Gabriel Mampone.

Mpofu was suspended on full pay on Wednesday, the day after he suspended Snuki Zikalala, SABC group executive of news and current affairs.

Mkhonza said Mpofu's suspension was pending an investigation into allegations about his conduct, including claims that he refused or failed to abide by or implement board decisions.

She said the probe was expected to take 30 days.

Mpofu had suspended Zikalala over alleged misconduct relating to the leaking of sensitive documents.

While it was speculated at the time that Zikalala's suspension could result in a back-lash from board members, Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri later found there was no apparent link between it and that of Mpofu.

The SABC has appointed its commercial enterprises head Mampone to oversee the running of the broadcaster pending the outcome of the probe into Mpofu.

It has appointed head of television news and current affairs Amrit Manga to stand in for Zikalala.

Mkhonza has indicated that there will be both an internal and an external investigation into Mpofu and Zikalala.

Sapa