Apart from Tony Yengeni there were a number of others who received discounted vehicles from a company that benefited from the arms deal.

While the Scorpions would not confirm any more arrests, it is understood that Yengeni was not the only target of the criminal investigation.

Among those who obtained vehicles is SA National Defence Force chief General Siphiwe Nyanda. He was among at least four people who got vehicles through the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) company whose suspended managing director, Michael Woerfel, is also charged with corruption.

Merc sold to DTI at R33 000 loss

They included a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official who played a critical role in the procurement programme, the chief of the SA Air Force, and the former chair of the standing committee on public enterprises.

Nyanda received a 17 percent discount on the retail price of a Mercedes-Benz E320 and a 15 percent discount on an S320.

Mandla Msomi, the former public enterprises committee chair, purchased a Colt Rodeo bakkie bought by EADS for R125 892 for R102 365 on December 12 1998.

An E320 Mercedes-Benz was purchased by EADS for R250 800 and sold to Msomi for R195 650 three days later.

Air Force chief Roelf Beukes bought an E240 for R267 000 from EADS on February 15, at a 7,61 percent discount on the retail price.

In July 1999, DTI official Vanan Pillay received a Mercedes-Benz 250 TD through EADS. He paid R141 000 for the brand new car.

EADS had paid its associate company DaimlerChrysler SA R174 000 for the car and sold it to Pillay at a loss of R33 000 - a discount of 29 percent off the retail price of R198 000.

Former Armscor chief executive Llewelyn Swan was among those who played a crucial role in the arms deal. Swan bought an ML320 for R250 000 - a huge 30,55 percent discount on the retail price of R359 000. 

With acknowledgment to Marvin Meintjies, The Star and Independent Online.