The Scorpions are expected to move in and arrest government officials suspected of a conflict of interest in the multi-billion rand arms deal, according to National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka.

Speaking to SABC radio this morning, Ngcuka said that they will be arresting an official at about 8:30 this morning. Briefing MPs yesterday about the forensic report into the controversial arms acquisition process, along with Auditor-General Shauket Fakie and Public Protector Selby Baqwa, he said the conflict of interest aspect was cause for concern and was viewed extremely seriously.

"There seem to be indications that certain officials have found themselves in incompatible positions, which might have led to the perception that the credibility of the acquisition process has been compromised in specific instances.

"These instances form the basis of some of the allegations we are pursuing. I wish to add that we will be taking action within the next 24 hours."

The joint investigating team found there was a conflict of interest with regard to the position held and the role played by the defence department's chief of acquisitions, Chippy Shaik, by virtue of his brother, Shabir's interests in bidding companies Thomson Group and African Defence Systems, and said that he did not recuse himself properly.

Allegations that Shaik, along with Denel deputy CEO Max Sisulu, former ANC MP Mpho Scott and the current chair of Parliament's joint defence committee on defence, Joseph Mashimbye, had received motor vehicles from prime contractors, were found to be false, Ngcuka said.

Yesterday, he also refused to shed light on how many officials faced action and whether Shaik was among them, saying: "My lips are sealed. I don't know. Let's wait for tomorrow."

With acknowledgement to Sapa and iafrica.com.