The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry has submitted an interim report regarding the Scorpions to President Thabo Mbeki, the body announced on Monday.

However, nothing is known about its findings yet, as disclosure is prohibited without Mbeki's approval for the next fortnight. Mbeki received the report on Friday.

The probe is examining whether the Directorate of Special Operations - better known as the Scorpions - should remain under the umbrella of the department of justice as the prosecuting arm of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), or fall instead into the jurisdiction of the South African Police Force, as has been proposed.

The commission, chaired by Judge Sisi Khampepe, had received 40 submissions, said its spokesperson Magata Kaizer Kganyago.

It was revealed earlier that these included submissions from the Scorpions, the police, Public Protector, South African Revenue Service, National Intelligence Agency, intelligence minister and inspector-general, academic and research institutions, political parties and individuals.

The commission had condoned a number of late submissions as it was satisfied with the reasons advanced for their receipt after a June 17 deadline, Kganyago said on Monday.

"The commission has studied and considered the submissions," he said. With some of them - including those of "principal stakeholders" - short on information pertaining to "cardinal aspects", it had asked for further particulars.

It was envisaged these would be received by August 12.

Kganyago would not give a firm date for the completion of the commission's final report.

He said it was possible that, aside from the further particulars, the report could be delayed by the holding of public hearings where presentations might have to be made of some of the submissions.

The commission is charged with making a report, findings and recommendations on the Scorpion's mandate and its implementation; systems for its management, control, communication, oversight and accountability; and for the accountability, effectiveness, efficiency and oversight of its intelligence operations.

It also has to consider the constitutional and legislative mandates of the SAPS and the intelligence agencies with particular reference to investigating organised and high-level priority crimes.

It is further required to consider existing systems for co-ordination and co-operation between the SAPS and intelligence agencies and the SAPS and the Scorpions taking into account the use of resources, training standards, duplication, priority-setting, and liaison with foreign law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.