Jacob Zuma, the Deputy President, has denied allegations that he attempted to secure a bribe from one of the companies involved in the controversial arms deal, said Lakela Kaunda, Zuma's spokesperson today.

"He believes the allegations are baseless and mischievous as he has not been involved in any such unlawful activity or the procurement of arms to that matter," said Kaunda from Tanzania, where Zuma is attempting to broker a Burundi ceasefire agreement.

"Zuma cannot respond to the allegations in detail as an investigation into the matter is underway," Kaunda said.

The weekly newspaper, the Mail & Guardian, has reported that the elite Scorpions detective unit was investigating Zuma for an alleged attempt to secure a bribe of R500 000 a year from French defence company Thomson-CSF, which has since been incorporated into Thales.

The alleged bribe was to be paid in return for Zuma's protection of Thales during the investigation into South Africa's multi-billion rands arms deal, the newspaper reported. The bribe was also allegedly to secure the permanent support of Zuma for future projects.

Thales and its South African subsidiary African Defence Systems were part of the German Frigate Consortium, which successfully bid for a R6-billion contract to supply the SA Navy with four corvette warships.

The allegations against Zuma were contained in a confidential affidavit filed by Advocate William Downer, a senior Scorpions prosecutor, in August last year, the newspaper said.

"Zuma should excuse himself" - PAC

Thami ka Plaatjie, the Pan Africanist Congress secretary general said Zuma should excuse himself from the presidency until the Scorpions' investigation was finished.

"By implication, these allegations not only reflect on the ruling party, but also on the presidency in the persona of Zuma," he said.

"If the presidency and the African National Congress are committed to clean governance, Zuma should be advised to excuse himself until his name has been cleared," Ka Plaatjie said.

The United Democratic Movement said the allegations against the Deputy President did not come as a surprise. "We have maintained that there was more than what meets the eye in this arms deal saga," said Malizole Diko, UDM's secretary general.

"The Scorpions will be doing the South African public justice if they include President Thabo Mbeki in their probe because we believe there are more senior government officials involved in corruption," he said.

Daryl Swanepoel, the New National Party spokesperson said the organisation believed in good and corruption-free governance and if allegations of this nature surfaced against any member of the government they should be thoroughly investigated.

He also warned against jumping into conclusion while the probe has not been completed. - Sapa

With acknowledgements to SABC and Sapa.