The party's Dennis Bloem says the charge of perjury has been laid following a High Court judge's ruling that Ntlemeza lied under oath during investigations into his predecessor Anwa Dramat.
Cope says it hopes Ntlemeza’s suspension will draw him away from a public spat between the Hawks and Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
The row escalated last night with the Hawks saying it would use its constitutional powers to ensure Gordhan answered questions about an alleged spy unit within the South African Revenue Service (Sars).
Bloem says Ntlemeza does not deserve to lead the crime fighting unit.
