Johannesburg - Deputy President Jacob Zuma rejects outright allegations that he attempted to secure a bribe from an arms procurement contractor, his office said Monday.

In a brief statement, Zuma's office said: "The Deputy President has not been charged with any criminal offence, and the continuing allegations and rumours linking him to corruption and bribery are ridiculous, malicious, insulting and defamatory.

"The Deputy President remains ready to defend himself and will co- operate with any law enforcement agency that could be investigating this case."

An investigating team is probing allegations that Zuma tried to solicit a bribe from a French defence contractor linked to South Africa's multibillion-rand arms deal.

With acknowledgements to I-Net Bride and News24.