Western Cape justice department head Hishaam Mohamed yesterday declined his nomination as public protector "for personal reasons".

He had been on a shortlist compiled by a specially appointed parliamentary committee to replace Selby Baqwa as SA's main corruption buster.

Baqwa's seven-year term of office cannot be extended, not may he be reappointed, in terms of the constitution. He vacates his office next month.

It was Baqwa who investigated democratic SA's first major scandal, the fraudulent anti-Aids musical Sarafina 2. His last major case was the multi-billion rand arms deal.

Mohamed said last night he withdrew after consultation with "various people", but would not elaborate on his reasons.

His withdrawal is the second blow within days to the public protector nomination process.

Yesterday DA leader Tony Leon slamed one of the nominees, former MEC Seth Nthai, nominated by ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe.

With acknowledgements to Aneez Salie and Cape Times.