The National Assembly agreed yesterday to establish a special committee to consider Public Protector Lawrence Mushwana's report on his investigation into Deputy President Jacob Zuma's complaint against National Prosecuting Authority head Bulelani Ngcuka.

According to a motion proposed by African National Congress Chief Whip Nathi Nhleko, the committee would consist of 17 members of parliament - ANC ten, Democratic Alliance two, Inkatha Freedom Party one, and four coming from the smaller parties.

The committee had until June 25 to report to the house. The motion was unanimously adopted.

In the report, released last Friday, Mushwana found it was "unfair and improper" to say publicly there was a prima facie case of corruption against Zuma but that he would not be prosecuted.

Mushwana said in the report a public statement by Ngcuka had impaired Zuma's dignity and improperly prejudiced him.

Ngcuka issued a media statement in August 2003 saying there was a prima facie case of corruption against Zuma over the multi-billion rand arms deal, but he would not prosecute him as the chances of success were not strong enough.

Much public debate and media speculation about Zuma's possible corrupt involvement in the SA National Defence Force's arms procurement followed.

Zuma then complained to the Public Protector about Ngcuka's remark and about the way in which the criminal investigation against him was conducted.

Mushwana recommended Parliament take urgent steps to hold Ngcuka responsible for his "unfair and improper" behaviour towards Zuma and his failure to co-operate with the protector's investigation. - Sapa