Charges against Gerrie Nel, the head of the Scorpions in Gauteng, were withdrawn in the Pretoria Regional Court on Monday.

"After careful consideration of the evidence in the docket, the decision was made to withdraw the charges," chief prosecutor Matric Lupondo said during Nel's brief appearance.

Nel, who was dressed in a grey suit, managed to avoid the media who were waiting outside court to get his reaction to the decision.

"We are relieved with the outcome and Mr Nel just wants to go back to work and carry out his duties at the NPA," his legal counsel Ian Small Smit said.

Nel was arrested at his Pretoria home last Tuesday for alleged corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.