Cape Town - Auditor-General Shauket Fakie on Tuesday said it was not easy to conduct a probe into the arms deal in partnership with other agencies.

Addressing journalists after presenting his annual report in Parliament, he said it would be more effective for a single agency to conduct such a forensic investigation.

Together with the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Public Protector, the AG's office is investigating claims of irregularities in South Africa's multi-billion arms deal.

Fakie said: "It hasn't been easy, it's been very difficult to operate under the current arrangement, but we're trying to make the best of it."

"If I was asked to do another investigation, I'd rather want to have more powers and do it entirely under my control; I think it would be more effective and efficient."

However, the three agencies were making good progress and it was hoped a report would be released by the end of July.

·  The three agencies, led by the Public Protector, are currently conducting public hearings into the arms deal in Pretoria, in parallel with the forensic probe.

With acknowledgment to Sapa and News24.