Johannesburg - The SABC has reported that an attempt by the Scorpions to raid the house of Jacob Zuma, the former deputy president, failed this morning when the security guards assigned to Zuma prevented the investigative unit's entry into the house.

The Scorpions are also raiding Zuma's homestead of Inkandla in northern KwaZulu-Natal. About twenty police members are outside Zuma's Inkandla premises.

Detectives are inside the house and carrying out the raid. Reporters have been refused entry to the home. They were also barred from speaking to family members or the police.

All queries have been referred to Makhosini Nkosi, the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, who has not been available for comment. Zuma's family members are inside the premises.

It is not clear where the former deputy president is. He is due to go on trial in October on two charges of corruption. Zuma has denied any wrongdoing and has described the case against him as "politically motivated".

The position is backed by many of his supporters, including the labour federation, Cosatu, which this week called for his reinstatement as President Thabo Mbeki's deputy and a halt to his trial.

With acknowledgement to News24.