But, in a surprise move, legal representatives for the president and his ministers admitted the case brought by Hugh Glenister is "one that is of national importance".

They asked for another two weeks to answer it.

In a letter to Glenister's attorney, Kevin Louis, state attorney MO Phahlane said her office needed time to consult with Mbeki, Mabandla and Nqakula and "prepare a composite answering affidavit" to the "complex" issues raised.

"In any event, the issues raised (by Glenister's application) require extensive investigation".

Glenister's application includes detailed claims under oath by arms deal dissident and former ANC MP Andrew Feinstein that Mbeki was implicated in corruption linked to the controversial multibillion-rand deal and deliberately obstructed an investigation..

Feinstein also revealed he was told that kickbacks from the arms deal were used to fund ANC election campaigns.

Yesterday, Louis told The Star that Glenister's legal team had agreed to the delay but asked Mbeki and the ministers to agree not to initiate legislation that would allow the government to disband the Scorpions during the delay period.

He said he had not received any official response to the request because the state attorney's office was unable to contact Mbeki or the ministers.

Louis confirmed Glenister's lawyers and the state would meet acting Judge President Willie Hartzenberg this week to arrange how the case would proceed and who would hear it.

Businessman and self-described "concerned citizen" Glenister has argued that the decision to disband the Scorpions was not "rationally connected to a legitimate governmental purpose".

With acknowledgements to Karyn Maughan and The Star.