Pretoria: Any change to the way the Scorpions function or incorporating the unit into the South African Police Service would necessitate a change in law.

But there had to be "some kind of closure" on the issue, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla said here yesterday.

Addressing journalists at the headquarters of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mabandla said the recent cabinet lekgotla had given her a directive to realign the law enforcement agencies "with speed" to ensure greater co-operation.

However, the matter was still subject to debate.

"No decision has been reached and the discussion is ongoing," she said.

Mabandla acknowledged the concern over how exactly the Scorpions were to function and under whose control the unit would operate, but said this was not a new issue.

Addressing staff on his first day on the job, the new NPA boss, Vusi Pikoli, gave an indication of things to come under his regime.

"It is important that we forge positive partnerships... We will have to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, so as to spread the workload."

His comments come in the wake of criticism of the way the Scorpions have conducted their investigations since their inception.

With acknowledgements to Karima Brown and the Cape Times.