The government would not interfere in investigations by security agencies, cabinet said yesterday following a meeting in Pretoria.

In a statement released after the meeting, Government Communications (GCIS) said it had "noted media discourse on the issue of high-profile investigations by the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

"In essence, government wishes to reiterate its recognition of the principle of equality of all before the law, and that it has not in the past interfered, and will not interfere, in investigations by security agencies."

The statement said that "trial-by-media" had to be avoided.

It also welcomed Justice Minister Penuell Maduna's comment on Monday in Soweto that the government would no longer comment publicly on the Scorpions' investigation into Deputy President Jacob Zuma and the multi-billion rand arms deal.

"This however does not mean that anyone has been 'gagged' from legitimate communication on matters of public interest, nor has there been any instruction in this regard from any quarter in government," the statement said.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Business Day.