A judge's ruling will force Durban businessman Schabir Shaik to answer tough questions by investigators probing corruption in the arms deal.

The Scorpions confirmed yesterday that they have now issued a new summons requiring Shaik to answer questions within 14 days.

He has refused to answer questions about an alleged R500 000 bribery deal involving a French arms firm and Deputy President Jacob Zuma.

Shaik, who is Zuma's personal financial adviser, has evaded interrogation for the past year because he challenged, in the Durban High Court, the constitutionality of a summons from the Scorpions. Judge Ron McLaren ruled against him on Friday, saying his objection to the summons was " fanciful".

Shaik was a director of Nkobi Holdings, African Defence Systems and Thomson CSF (now Thales), which all benefited from the arms deal.

Zuma and Shaik have repeatedly denied being involved in corruption.

Shaik will now be forced to explain meetings, letters and faxes involving him, Zuma and CSF's boss in Southern Africa, Alain Thetard.

Zuma was drawn into arms deal bribery claims in court papers that became public in December last year. In those papers, the Scorpions revealed that Thales allegedly struck a deal to pay Zuma R500 000 in exchange for lobbying and for protection from a government investigation.

The government has issued a warrant of arrest for Thetard, who is believed to be in Paris.

Shaik could not be reached for comment.

With acknowledgements to Mzilikazi wa Afrika, Andre Jurgens and the Sunday Times.