Circumstances surrounding the arrest of Scorpions investigator Ivor Powell will be investigated, the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) said on Wednesday.

"We are investigating the matter. The decision comes after a letter of complaint was received from the Democratic Alliance," said spokeswoman Dikeledi Phiri.

The DA believed that Powell was arrested under suspicious circumstances.

"Most disturbing was the allegation that Powell's laptop -- which contained witness statements and contact details relating to the current investigation into National Police Commissioner Jackie Selebi -- had been retained by the police *1," the party said in a statement.

The DA requested that the ICD look into whether there was any link between the arrest of Gerrie Nel and Powell as both men were attached to the Scorpions -- and if Powell was simply caught up in the arrest of Davids, as the police claimed, why was his property allegedly confiscated?

The ICD was also requested to look into public concerns relating to the integrity of the police service.

"The public concerns relating to the integrity of the police service and the possible use of the police to protect highly-connected individuals threatens to undermine the ability of the SAPS to perform their duties and also undermines the public trust."

Powell, a former journalist, was arrested last week Tuesday on charges of drunken driving, reckless driving and defeating the administration of justice.

He was thought to have been driving a stolen car and was allegedly in the company of Cape gang boss Igshaan Davids.

Powell appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on January 23 where he was granted R1,000 bail and the matter was postponed to April 29 pending the outcome of his blood alcohol analysis.

Earlier in January, the Scorpions' Gerrie Nel was arrested and the charges later dropped.

"The DA calls upon the ICD to conduct a thorough investigation as a matter of urgency."

With acknowledgements to Sapa.