Deputy President Jacob Zuma again proclaimed his innocence on Tuesday on corruption allegations made against him, adding that the matter is in the hands of the court.

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

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 statement said.

According to media reports, the state is alleging that businessman Schabir Shaik paid Zuma nearly R1,2-million between 1995 and last year, and took elaborate steps to hide the origin of most of the payments.

It is also alleged that most payments can be traced back to arms deal beneficiaries.

The reports said the allegations are contained in the charge sheet against Shaik, handed to him in the Durban Regional Court on Monday.

Shaik was released on bail of R1 000, and the case postponed to October 3.

At a weekend media conference, National Director of Public Prosecutions, Bulelani Ngcuka told reporters Zuma would not be prosecuted, despite indications that there may be a corruption case for him to answer.

The decision was taken in spite of a recommendation by the investigating team that Zuma be criminally charged.

"We have concluded that, whilst there is a prima facie case of corruption against the deputy president, our prospects of success are not strong enough," Ngcuka said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Mail & Guardian.