Since its dawn in April 1994, our democracy has seldom been subjected to a test this serious. There can be no greater weighing of the commitment to clean administration and adherence to the rule of law than subjecting a serving deputy president to a police investigation.

South Africans must be proud that we have a system of law that applies to everybody without regard to status. That Deputy President Jacob Zuma is under investigation by the Scorpions serves to reinforce this view.

Zuma, like any other person, should be presumed innocent until proved guilty. The fact that the allegations against him are extremely serious, especially given the office that he occupies, should not rob him of his basic right to a fair legal process.

But there are a few disturbing aspects to the Zuma investigation. He is challenging the motive of the Scorpions, led by National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, a former deputy chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

There has even been speculation that Zuma is a victim of the race for the presidency in 2009.

Ngcuka has told the media that some people are are out to discredit him because of the work his unit is doing.

It is difficult to pass judgment on these conflicting views without knowing all the facts. However, the real issue is that if Zuma has a case to answer to, then he should do so. In this regard, it would be advisable for him to co-operate with the Scorpions so that a decision can be taken by the prosecuting authority on whether or not to charge him.

If Zuma were to answer the questions asked of him by the Scorpions, this would demonstrate that he is a willing partner in helping South Africans to know the truth about his involvement, or not, in the arms deal. This approach would go a long way towards disarming those who insist that Zuma has something to hide.

For now, we are grateful that Ngcuka is determined to do his job without fear.

With acknowledgement to The Star.