A Johannesburg businessman is seeking an interdict from the Pretoria High Court to stop the disbandment of the Scorpions crime-fighting unit.

The respondents in the matter include President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Safety and Security, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, the head of the Directorate of Special Prosecutions, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

In a statement issued by Hugh Glenister, he argues that the disbanding of the unit would "not be rationally connected to a legitimate governmental purpose."

He said it would also be a violation of the government's constitutional obligations to initiate new legislation in a constitutionally admissible way and to uphold the rights of every South African to life, dignity, property and security.

"Just call me a concerned citizen," said Glenister. "I believe our constitutional rights are being violated and Parliament is being undermined by this reckless desire to destroy a functioning institution.

"The citizens of South Africa - particularly the poor - and our economy are essentially living in a state of emergency with crime levels what they are. This act is akin to dismantling our arsenal in the middle of a war," he said.

Glenister has also started an online and sms petition against the planned disbandment. "The Constitution allows public referenda to be called. Perhaps this is a time when South Africans should demand this of the government that, after all, is meant to work for us," he said.