Johannesburg - The Durban offices of Michael Hulley were searched last week as part of the Scorpions' ongoing investigation into Zuma, according to an affidavit by investigating officer Johan du Plooy.

The raid was criticised in legal circles as a violation of attorney-client privilege.

The affidavit asserted that Hulley's office was raided because of Schabir Shaik's resignation as Zuma's financial adviser.

The affidavit was part of the Scorpions' application to the Pretoria High Court to search the premises of Zuma's confidants.

Du Plooy said that Reeves Parsee, Shaik's attorney, informed them on July 19 that Shaik resigned as Zuma's financial adviser on July 11 and all documentation concerning Zuma had been handed over to Hulley.

The Scorpions raided the offices of Hulley and Associates to obtain "this relevant information about Zuma".

Hulley told reporters last week that he was considering legal steps against the Scorpions.

Those who condemned the Scorpions' raid on Hulley's offices included the General Bar Society of SA and the Law Society of SA.

With acknowledgements to Adriaan Basson and the Beeld.