Charges brought against crime intelligence head Mulangi Mphego were brought to "suffocate" his unit's ongoing investigation into the National Prosecuting Authority, the Randburg Magistrate's Court heard on Friday.

"Mr Mphego is engaged in investigations against members of the [NPA] regarding abuse of office — espionage, corruption, leaking of government information to newspapers, money laundering, blackmailing," his lawyer, advocate Salie Joubert told the court.

"So these charges are intended to suffocate this criminal intelligence investigation," he said.

Joubert was opposing a request by the State for yet another postponement for further investigations.

Joubert submitted that the matter either be postponed for a trial date or struck off the roll.

"The prosecution should decide if they want to proceed, then they'll bring charges against Mr Mphego," Joubert said.

Advocate Gerrie Nel earlier told the court the State needed time to acquire an affidavit from a key witness who also works for the crime intelligence unit.

He said an affidavit already submitted by this witness was not satisfactory, so he had been asked for another affidavit which had not yet been submitted.

Magistrate Cathy Mnisi has adjourned the matter for a decision on whether to postpone or not. The case continues.