Justice Minister Penuell Maduna has rejected claims that comments he made after the arrest of senior ANC member Tony Yengeni were an interference with the independence of the judiciary.

Maduna said on Wednesday that Yengeni's arrest on charges relating to corruption, forgery and statutory perjury had no legal connection to the multi-billion rand arms deal.

In a statement, Maduna strenuously denied he was interfering saying the allegations against him had no basis. The statement added that Maduna was actually the key proponent of the independence of the judiciary. 

With acknowledgment to John Makoni, Sapa and iafrica.com.