Willie Hofmeyr, the newly appointed head of the special investigating unit, might face accusations of bias because he was essentially still a politician, according to the unit?s former head Willem Heath.

Hofmeyr, a former ANC MP, was appointed head of the anti-corruption body by President Thabo Mbeki earlier this week.

He is also head of the Asset Forfeiture Unit which falls under the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Heath told Sapa on Saturday it was too early to judge Hofmeyr?s abilities as he had yet to conduct an investigation.

"As far as his (Hofmeyr?s) work is concerned, he could and would have to prove himself. One can only judge him personally once he has conducted some investigation at the unit."

Hofmeyr is expected to begin his new job on August 1.

However, Heath said Hofmeyr would probably face accusations of bias.

"To some extent Willie Hofmeyr is still a politician and the perception will also prevail that he will not be conducting an independent investigation."

On Hofmeyr?s statement that he wished to meet him, Heath said: "Willie and I have a good relationship. I would discuss with him matters about the unit and be open for any questions he may put forward to me."

Heath also denied that he had said in an address to the Cape Town Press Club on Wednesday that the probe into South Africa?s controversial multi-billion rand arms deal was unlikely to uncover corruption and fraud because there was no confidence in the investigation.

"I did not say that the investigation is unlikely to uncover any crime or corruption. What I did mention though is that an investigation can only be properly conducted if the unit which investigates it is independent, which must apply to head of the unit as well," Heath explained.

There was a view that the current investigation - led by Bulelani Ngcuka?s National Directorate of Public Prosecutions; the office of Auditor-General Shauket Fakie; and the office of Public Protector Selby Baqwa - lacked the necessary independence because they had all been active in politics.

Heath has been at the centre of a bitter row with government after his unit was excluded from the arms investigation, ostensibly because of a constitutional court judgment that it was unconstitutional for a judge to head the SIU.

Heath resigned as judge to begin a private Cape Town-based anti-corruption constancy last month after he was refused a discharge by the government.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Business Day.