The Presidency has urged that the law be allowed to run its course with regards to corruption claims against Deputy President Jacob Zuma which are linked to a multi-billion rand government arms procurement deal and that the issue not be prejudged in the media.

According to media reports, details of the corruption and fraud case against Durban businessman Schabir Shaik, released by the Scorpions, point to an alleged 1.2 billion rand money trail that starts at French defence company Thales and leads ultimately to Zuma.

In a statement, the Presidency noted the media reports "relating to the charge sheet of Schabir Shaik and references made in it relating to the Deputy President's financial affairs".

It pointed out that the allegations made in the charge sheet were "still to be tested in court when the matter goes to trial".

"The Deputy President wishes to reiterate that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing or corruption, either relating to the arms deal or his financial affairs.

"He has stated many times before that Mr Shaik is his financial adviser and administers all his financial matters, including bank accounts.

"The matter is in the hands of the court and the legal process should be allowed to run its course, without prejudging the issue in the media," the presidency added.

The Scorpions decided at the weekend not to prosecute Zuma on corruption claims.

With acknowledgements to INet Bridge and Business Day.