Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota reiterated on Tuesday that the government had nothing to do with the awarding of subcontracts in South Africa's strategic defence package.

"That process was a step away from government," he said.

Lekota testified in Pretoria in the public hearings into them country's multi-billion rand arms deal.

Allegations of wrongdoing in the deal mainly related to the way in which subcontractors were selected.

The procurement package is being investigated by three government agencies -- the Public Protector, the Auditor-General's office and the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Public Protector Selby Baqwa, who chaired the panel, on Tuesday adjourned the proceedings until August 14.

This was necessary to give forensic experts time to come closer to the conclusion of their investigation.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.