Durban - KPMG forensic expert Johan van der Walt, facing cross-examination in the Schabir Shaik trial on Tuesday, said his findings were "completely independent".

Defence advocate Francois van Zyl questioned how impartial Van der Walt's investigation had been because he had access to a draft charge sheet on commencing the probe.

Shaik faces charges in the Durban High Court relating to allegedly soliciting a R500 000 per annum bribe for deputy president Jacob Zuma in exchange for protection during a probe into arms deal irregularities. He has pleaded not guilty.

Van der Walt, who earlier described himself as a "bloodhound", spent a week presenting his 259-page audit report to the court, which he finished last Friday.

However cross-examination started only on Tuesday after applications by media organisations to broadcast the trial dominated the case on Monday.

Replying to Van Zyl's questions, Van der Walt said he was assisted by accountants and data capturers who were predominantly trainee investigators in compiling his report.

He also testified that he had only started liaising with prosecutor Billy Downer in January, having been commissioned by the Scorpions to conduct the investigation in September last year.

The trial continues.

With acknowledgements to Jannie Momberg, Sapa and News24.