As the Scorpions' probe into allegations of corruption around the arms deal intensifies, President Thabo Mbeki has questioned the wisdom of having two "police forces".

His statement begs two questions. The first centres on its timing. The second on why what seemed a good idea two years ago, is now open to doubt.

It could just be unfortunate that the president chose to speak out as the Scorpions' probe into the affairs of Deputy President Jacob Zuma seemed to be reaching a climax.

It is doubly unfortunate that this has distinct echoes of the controversial disbanding of Judge Willem Heath's corruption-busting unit in 2000 when allegations of the arms deal surfaced for the first time.

What makes the Scorpions special? They have the power to investigate without "an official charge". This gives them a wider scope and so makes them more effective.

The concept is not a new one. Years ago the Office for Serious Economic Offences proved that a separate specialised unit can work.

Of course, there has been tension between the Police Service and the Scorpions. But as this is a fairly new process, one can only hope that it will be sorted out.

Mbeki has said that he is "surprised" by what the Scorpions sometimes choose to investigate. Surely he cannot be referring to the arms deal?

In most other countries, an investigation of such magnitude would most definitely be handled by a specialised unit.

South Africa needs such a unit, one that can deal with organised crime. It needs investigating teams that can be lead by an advocate who knows exactly what will be needed to get a conviction in court.

The Department of Justice has spent thousands of rands in giving special investigators training in advanced investigating techniques.

Organised crime needs organised measures and the arms deal should not be allowed to derail a process that has worked pretty well up to now.

With acknowledgement to The Star.