Johannesburg - Tension between the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Scorpions intensified during the raids on Jacob Zuma's residences when the NIA was infuriated by the Scorpions's action, which it claimed posed a security risk.

NIA director-general Billy Masetlha summoned the Scorpions and quizzed them about why they had given private companies access to the state's and the presidency's sensitive information.

During the search operations in August, private companies contracted by the Scorpions had access to the former deputy president's computers at his offices in the presidency at the Union Buildings. Masetlha demanded that the contract of those companies should not be renewed.

During a damage-control press conference following the raids, national director of public prosecutions and overall head of the Scorpions, Vusi Pikoli, appeared to be unaware of the contracted companies, saying he would find out about them.

Makhosini Nkosi, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, was not available for comment.

However, these sharp differences between Masetlha and Pikoli emerged in the NIA's confidential submissions to the Khampepe Commission last week.

According to the City Press newspaper, the NIA has accused some members of the Scorpions of spying for foreign governments and of running their own intelligence unit. The NIA also mentioned the Scorpions' close relationship with a UK-based risk management company - Kroll - as a security risk factor.

The submission also mentioned that members of the old order spy and police agencies are in charge of sensitive investigations.

Internationally acclaimed intelligence author, Gordon Thomas, wrote in 2001 that agents of the Israeli intelligence, Mossad, had broken ties with the NIA and forged a close relationship with the Scorpions.

The Scorpions also took a pounding from its political head, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, who said the relationship between the Scorpions and the police had broken down beyond retrieval.

Her comments follow that of safety and security minister, Charles Nqakula, who said all the policing agencies should fall under the command and control of national police commissioner, Jackie Selebi.

With acknowledgements to Moshoeshoe Monare and the Cape Times.