German prosecutors are still waiting for South African justice ministry officials to provide them with the details that will help them complete investigations into alleged kick backs paid by steelmaker ThyssenKrupp.

German prosecutions spokes-person Arno Neukirchen said yesterday that prosecutors in Düsseldorf had sent the request "at the beginning of the year".

He said South Africa's reply may have become bogged down in the "diplomatic channels".

Neukirchen's response contradicted a statement released earlier by South African justice ministry spokesperson Zolile Nqayi, who said director general Menzi Simelane had yet to to hear from German authorities.

It emerged in July 2006 that German prosecutors were investigating what were described as "irregularities" in a sale of warships to South Africa by German shipbuilding group ThyssenKrupp.

In February 2007, Germany's Spiegel magazine reported that Chippy Shaik allegedly demanded $3 million to ensure the success of the German bid. - Sapa

With acknowledgements to Pretoria News.