CapeTown - The Democratic Alliance has called for more information on the suspension of defence acquisitions chief Chippy Shaik, in particular why allegations against him have not been referred to law enforcement officials.

DA public accounts spokesperson Raenette Taljaard said in a statement she had written to Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota asking for clarity on Shaik's suspension, announced earlier this week.

Lekota said in Pretoria on Monday the suspension stemmed from allegations that Shaik had disclosed classified information without authorisation.

It did not relate to the three-agency probe into South Africa's multi-billion rand arms deal and was also unrelated to charges against Shaik's brother, Schabir, Lekota said.

Schabir Shaik appeared in court on Friday after classified documents, including Cabinet minutes, were allegedly found in his possession.

Taljaard said she wanted to know why Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi was investigating the suspension, and not law enforcement agencies.

"It is strange though that a transgression that carries possible criminal penalties is treated as an internal governmental investigation headed by minister Fraser-Moleketi."

'Outdated' provisions

The DA would like to know what the specific allegations against Shaik are, and why action was being taken in terms of "outdated" provisions of the Defence Act, while more serious allegations have emerged from the probe into the arms deal.

The letter also asks why Shaik was allowed to remain in his position during the investigation into the arms deal, given the serious allegations of irregularities made against him.

Shaik was suspended with full pay pending the outcome of Fraser-Moleketi's investigation.

The probe into the arms deal,conducted by the Auditor General, the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Public Protector, found there had been a conflict of interest in Shaik's role in the procurement of the strategic arms package.

This arose from his brother Schabir's shareholding in the Thomson Group and African Defence Systems, which benefited from the arms deal.