The University of KwaZulu-Natal has informed two of its mechanical engineering professors that they are under investigation.

In a statement on Monday signed by Isobel Konyn, the acting deputy vice chancellor of corporate governance and administration, the university said the two men were informed that "investigations are underway and charges relating to misconduct are being prepared".

The charges against Professor Viktor Verijenko and Professor Sarp Adali involve a R2,4-million government research contract that the university knew nothing about.

Verijenko stands accused of claiming, without authority, that he and his closed corporation, Veryitech, were agents of the university to secure a major contract with Spoornet in 2003.

Adali was reported to have approved the contract, again without authorisation.

Verijenko is also apparently being investigated for his role over claims that "more than two-thirds" of Chippy Shaik's 2003 PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the then-University of Natal had been plagiarised.

Chippy Shaik is the brother of jailed businessman Schabir Shaik who is challenging his conviction for fraud.

In weekend media reports Adali had said that he had not been notified of any investigation against him.

The university confirmed that the external prosecutor is Michael Maeso, a labour law expert from the firm Shepstone and Wylie.

With acknowledgements to Ben Trovato and Independent Online.