By Karima Brown and Sapa
There was no reason at this stage to reconsider a decision not to prosecute Deputy President Jacob Zuma, Scorpions spokes-man Sipho Ngwema said on Sunday.
On whether Zuma was still under investigation for corruption, he told the Pretoria News: "That phase of the investigation has stopped."
"We are on record as saying that. If, however, there are new developments that necessitate us reconsidering our decision, then we will do that. At this stage there are no reasons to reconsider."
He was speaking in the light of weekend newspaper reports that further court papers in the trial of Zuma's financial adviser, Schabir Shaik, would show that the deputy president was party to alleged corruption.
Zuma again proclaimed his innocence. Speaking in Cradock, a visibly irriatated Zuma told SABC news: "I was not given an opportunity to go to court to be charged.
"I said my bit at the right time. In a sense, it is very funny situation," he said.
"Zuma reiterates that those who believe they have a case against him should charge him and prove it and stop running a mischievous smear campaign in the media," said Zuma's spokesperson, Lakela Kaunda.
She said Zuma had continuously stated that the allegations were "baseless and untruthful".
Last year, the Scorpions decided not to prosecute Zuma, saying controversially that while there was a prima facie case against the deputy president, chances of a successful prosecution were slim.
The Sunday Times reported on Sunday that a top secret forensic report, to be submitted as evidence, would decide Zuma's fate.
It allegedly proved an extensive financial relationship between the deputy president and Shaik, and was also expected to blow the lid on 10 other politicians and officials who were allegedly bankrolled by Shaik in return for business favours.
Ngwema said the Scorpions were totally focused on Shaik and the trial.
"Schabir Shaik is the accused. We are not intending to add anyone else to the list at the moment."
"Our major focus is on the trial at hand, whether there is anything or anyone else is premature," he said.
However, should evidence emerge that pointed in the direction of more people, they would not hesitate to act.
"I am not saying if we get information we will throw it away - we will act but when it is appropriate to do so," he said.
Shaik's trial begins in the Durban High Court on October 11.
Those close to the deputy president also want to avoid what they call "his trial by media", given that Zuma's name already features on almost every page of the charge sheet against Shaik.
ANC spokesman Smuts Ngonyama said on Sunday the party stood fully behind Zuma.
"The ANC has full confidence in the deputy president. The court proceedings must take its course and every one is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
On the claim that 10 other politicians and officials were also allegedly bankrolled by Shaik, he said: "It's an allegation. That's all it is. This still has to be proven."
ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe, outspoken in his criticism of the Scorpions and what he believes is their "Hollywood style" of arrests, refused to be drawn on the matter.