So who are the cowboys? Not so long ago, our FBI-styled Scorpions were described as cowboys.

However, last week we saw a posse of policemen from the Presidential Protection Unit, tasked with guarding Jacob Zuma, behaving exactly like cowboys. They came close to defeating the ends of justice, pointing rifles at their law enforcement colleagues and ordering them to leave Zuma's home.

Given the politically charged atmosphere, bloodshed would have been catastrophic. Mercifully, the Scorpions kept cool heads.

Significantly, there was no comment fromthe politically accountable ministers in charge.

In addition to explaining whether the policemen will be disciplined and where the loyalties of the Presidential Protection Unit actually lie, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula needs to reassure South Africans that when the chips are down, the rule of law will be defended, not defeated by the police, especially those guarding politicians.

On the other hand, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, to whom the Scorpions report, needs to stand by the unit and push for its survival, given that the knives are out.

With Judge Sisi Khampepe due back from overseas this week, her inquiry into the unit's future needs to be finalised urgently. The judge still plans to hear oral submissions.

For the sake of transparency, these need to be held in public, where possible, so that her final report is beyond question. President Thabo Mbeki too could take the nation into his confidence and release Judge Khampepe's interim report.

Meanwhile, Zuma's behaviour on Thursdaywas illuminating. He initially co-operated with the Scorpions, and only after the ex-MK police muscle arrived - more than two hours later - did he reportedly become emboldened and change his attitude.

Perhaps this is a character weakness that his supporters know they can exploit and why his detractors believe South Africa cannot afford a man of straw as a future president.

With acknowledgement to The Star.