Vusi Pikoli was disappointed *1 by the news that he has lost his job, his attorney Aslam Moosajee said after president Kgalema Motlanthe announced he would be relieved of his post as prosecutions boss.

"Mr Pikoli is obviously very disappointed," said Moosajee who had instructed the lawyers who represented him at the inquiry into his fitness to hold office.

"We are busy digesting all of this and will decide our next move."

This could be a representation to Parliament, where Motlanthe's decision goes next to be either confirmed or rejected, or through the courts.

Tlali Tlali, spokesman for the National Prosecution Authority, where Pikoli had been the National Director of Public Prosecutions, said there was no immediate comment on the announcement.

With acknowledgements to Sapa.