The second part of the inquiry to decide the fate of suspended arms acquisition chief Shamin "Chippy" Shaik has ended, but any decision on his future will only be known next week.

Provincial and local government director-general Zam Titus, who headed the inquiry, told Sapa deliberations ended on Wednesday, but no decision had been taken yet on Shaik's punishment.

Shaik was last week found guilty by the commission of illegally disclosing confidential information contained in the auditor-general's draft report on the arms deal. "I will make my judgment sometime next week," Titus said on Thursday.

The announcement would probably be made by Secretary of Defence January Masilela.

The AG's draft report, which was critical of Shaik's involvement in the multi-billion rand deal, was given to Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota late last year.

The report was handed to Shaik for comment, who passed it on to his lawyers, who in turn took the issue up with Auditor-General Shauket Fakie. Shaik earlier this week promised to challenge the findings of the inquiry.

With acknowledgement to Sapa.