The three agencies probing allegations of irregularities in the multibillion-rand arms procurement deal have given the first indication that some aspects of the acquisition process may not have been above board. 

Briefing the media on Thursday, National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, Auditor-General Shauket Fakie and Public Protector Selby Baqwa said the initial phase of the probe, in which the merits of allegations were assessed, was almost complete and that, where warranted, the investigation was developing into a full forensic probe. 

They said it was hoped the investigation would be completed by July. 

Bank accounts of 24 people and records of 68 entities being analysed 

Fakie said the investigation could lead to prosecutions if it was found that bribery or a conflict of interests had influenced the procurement process. 

Some individuals might be reported to the public service commission or other bodies that ensured adherence to ethical standards. 

"It's one thing to be able to prove that someone has a conflict of interests, but we need to link this to how it affected the procurement process." 

Ngcuka would not be drawn on whether evidence of wrong-doing had been uncovered, but did not rule out prosecutions. 

He said a central office had been established for the 30 investigators, working in teams. He said aspects of the investigation had not been divided among his group, the public protector's and the auditor-general's. 

Investigators were having difficulty in getting witnesses to come forward 

Rather, each team comprised members of the three agencies. 

"This is important because my office is checking up on the auditor-general and vice versa. Our people are checking up on each other so we can try to eliminate the question of cover-ups." 

Discussing the progress made, Ngcuka said records of the bank accounts of 24 individuals and "statutory records" of 68 entities were being analysed. 

"We are looking at a number of specific allegations of undue benefit received by some and have obtained affidavits." 

The agencies said media coverage was hampering their investigation and appealed for "time and space" to do their work. 

Referring to questions raised in the media about a luxury vehicle acquired by African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni through a company linked to the arms deal, Ngcuka said investigators had been having difficulty in getting witnesses to come forward since the reports appeared. 

With acknowledgment to Marco Granelli and Independent Online.