The Public Protector announced on Tuesday that it has received sensitive information that may best be dealt with by the Hefer Commission of Inquiry.

Spokesperson Nicolette Teichmann said the information related to top government officials, private individuals and various institutions.

It had been divulged by "an individual in the Eastern Cape" who insisted on giving it only to the Public Protector directly.

Teichmann refused to divulge the content of the received information "due to the sensitive nature of the allegations".

She also declined to reveal whether it related to the reported claim earlier on Tuesday that former Eastern Cape human rights lawyer Vanessa Brereton had been apartheid spy RS452.

Brereton's claim partly cleared National Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka from spying allegations against him, which the Hefer Commission must probe.

Teichmann said the particular Eastern Cape informant approached the office of the Public Protector "very recently", but declined to say exactly when.

A chief investigator was sent to consult with this person. Further consultation will take place once the information had been checked and scrutinised.

From the little received thus far, it appeared as if the bulk of information might best be dealt with by the Hefer Commission, Teichmann added.

Indications were nevertheless that certain aspects might fall within the Public Protector's jurisdiction.

She said her office hoped to release more details within a week.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.