He also wants Scopa, in its next report to Parliament, to substantiate its conclusion that defence acquisitions were "usually attended by malpractice, with the purchasing countries being victims of such malpractice".

In a previous hard-hitting letter to then Scopa chairman Dr Gavin Woods, Zuma criticises the committee for "seriously misdirecting itself" and "arriving at decisions that are not substantiated by any facts".

"He believes the allegations are baseless and mischievous as he has not been involved in any such unlawful activity or the procurement of arms to that matter.

"Zuma cannot respond to the allegations in detail as an investigation into the matter is underway."

"We would like to reiterate that the allegations of corruption and bribery made against Deputy President Jacob Zuma are without foundation," Kaunda says in a statement.

Zuma himself says: "The allegations are unfounded and completely baseless."

Zuma says he is ready to defend himself and will cooperate with any law enforcement agency that will investigate the case;

He says he has not discussed the issue of protecting any company or individual from the Joint Investigating Team's probe into the arms deal with anyone.

Zuma adds that he has heard from media reports about the allegations that he "requested money in return for support or protection" to the company; and

"I find it totally unacceptable and despicable that questions that they sent to me have appeared in a Sunday newspaper. This is a serious breach of confidentiality and is contrary to the spirit and terms of the National Prosecuting Authority Act, relating to the confidentiality of information received and disseminated," he says in a statement issued by Kaunda.

"I am now consulting with my lawyers with regard to the conduct of the (National) Directorate (of Public Prosecutions) and the nature of my response to this situation."

Zuma says he has remained silent regarding the allegations against him and expects the same respect in return.

"For more than three years, I have chosen to maintain my silence as I felt that would allow the investigators space to continue with the probe unhindered. Public statements from my side would have easily been misconstrued to be interfering with the investigation or seeking to influence it in one way or the other, especially given my position in the government and the (African National Congress).

"Despite my silence... there have been constant leaks of information to the media which was clearly designed to cast aspersions on my integrity.

"And while the leaks were going on, there was still no official confirmation that I was being investigated. I only received confirmation after my lawyers repeatedly wrote to the directorate in this regard."

He reiterates that he is not guilty of any wrongdoing and urges those who believe they have a case against him to prove it in court.

Sapa