Opposition parties have appealed to the government not to disregard the accomplishments of the Scorpions in its review of the corruption-busting unit.

New National Party media director Adriaan van Jaarsveld on Tuesday said the Scorpions should remain an elite investigation unit, but, if possible, should fall under the authority of the South African Police Service.

"The Scorpions have more resources available to them than the South African Police Services, and if these two units are placed together they can become a formidable crime-fighting organisation," he said.

"Currently there are cases that are investigated by both the SAPS and the Scorpions, which is a waste of time, and the conflict of interest only creates more tension," he said.

The NNP welcomed the review of the Scorpions by the public service and administration department.

"We hope, however, that the review will not be overshadowed by the allegations of leaks to the media about the arms-deal investigation.

"Since the formation of the Scorpions almost five years ago, they have done excellent work, and hopefully the review will highlight their success and make constructive suggestions for the way forward," said Van Jaarsveld.

Meanwhile Democratic Alliance spokesperson Sheila Camerer said that rather than "splurging taxpayers' money on a politically motivated review of the Scorpions", the government should focus on getting the rest of the criminal justice system working.

"It is local policing, prosecution services and the court systems that require a thorough review and overhaul. Instead of fighting crime and securing convictions, the African National Congress leadership has become obsessed with removing the sting of the Scorpions," she said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula said a review of the Scorpions was about redefining its mandate and not about disbanding it.

The justice department would be asked to draw up a memorandum on the matter, which would be discussed by the cabinet.

"It is (the review) on what they do and what the police do - not whether they are to be closed down or not. That is not the discussion," Nqakula said.

Last week, President Thabo Mbeki said "inherent" tensions between the SAPS and the Scorpions had to be dealt with, suggesting the Scorpions become a specialised police unit.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and The Star.