Disgraced Department of Defence procurement chief Shamin "Chippy" Shaik has been let off with a slap on the wrist after his earlier conviction on disciplinary charges of misconduct. Shaik was convicted a fortnight ago of leaking confidential documents.

The disciplinary inquiry, headed by Zam Titus, outgoing Director General in the Department of Provincial and Local Government, this week passed sentence - a final written warning. Shaik, who was suspended and barred from his office in December, could have returned to work on Friday - the day after he received the verdict. But, said defence representative Sam Mkhwanazi, the entire process was "back to square one" as Shaik has appealed against the conviction and the sentence. Said Mkhwanazi: "As a result he is still suspended pending the outcome of this appeal. His appeal is to the higher authority in his department, which will mean the minister of defence." While Shaik was singled out in the arms report for his conflict of interest - he did not properly recuse himself as adjudicator in the arms tender where his brother's company had an interest - he has not faced any such charge.

The misconduct charge related to his having "leaked" drafts of the arms report to his lawyers. He argued he was entitled to do so, since the drafts were critical of him. Shaik faced dismissal, but Titus imposed the lesser sentence. The drafts that he leaked to his lawyers are fast becoming the subject of controversy. Auditor General Shauket Fakie has refused to release the drafts - which were shown to the executive - but insists they were not substantially altered after comment from members of the Cabinet … and Shaik.

With acknowledgements to the Mail & Guardian.