Zuma says he had no knowledge of the work on his house that has swimming pool, private clinic and amphitheatre [AP]

South African police have launched an investigation into corruption allegations linked to President Jacob Zuma's $24m state-funded upgrade of his house, according to parliamentary papers. In a written police response to lawmakers published on Monday, police confirmed that a probe into accusations that the leader misused public funds to refurbish his house in the rural village of Nkandla "has been initiated". Zuma, who was re-elected in May, has insisted that he had no knowledge of the work on his home, including the construction of a swimming pool, private clinic and amphitheatre. His government has insisted all the refurbishments were security related. The issue has become a lightning rod for criticism of Zuma's administration, which is seen by many South Africans as tolerant of corruption and incompetence.