Johannesburg - The net around suspects in alleged irregularities in the R43 billion arms deals, was drawn in unexpectedly on Wednesday with the possibility that more people could soon be arrested.

The arrest of Tony Yengeni, ANC chief whip and former chairperson of the joint committee of defence, on charges of corruption or fraud, perjury and forgery of documents, has caused behind-the-scenes panic amongst the rest of the suspects.

Beeld learnt confidentially that the forensic investigation teams questioned former Minister of Defence Joe Modise on Tuesday about the arms deals. At least one other suspect who holds a high post, has apparently indicated that he wants to leave the service of the Department of Defence as soon as possible.

Yengeni's arrest by the Scorpions as part of the criminal investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority's directorate for special operations, follows the completion of the directorate's investigation into how Yengeni obtained a luxury Mercedes Benz in the run-up to the arms deals.

They apparently have sufficient evident to prosecute Yengeni. His arrest was negotiated with his attorney, after which he gave himself up. After a quick appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court, he was released on bail of R10 000.

A summons was also issued for the arrest of Michael Woerfel, from the European Aeronautics Defence Systems (EADS), a sister company to DaimlerChrysler SA.

Woerfl, who has already been suspended by the company for his alleged supply of the vehicle to Yengeni, is overseas at present but will be arrested on his return to South Africa. He will appear in court next Wednesday, October 10, on similar charges. Yengeni will appear in court on January 25.

Yengeni's position as chief whip is now in the balance after Parliament's ethics committee refused earlier this year to investigate the allegations against him. After he proclaimed his innocence in a statement to the National Assembly, his ANC colleagues signed a petition in which they expressed their support for him.

Yengeni placed advertisements costing about R250 000 in Sunday newspapers in which he said the allegations aganst him were racist and untrue.

Dr Frene Ginwala said on Wednesday in a statement it depended on the ANC whether Yengeni remained in his position, adding that the law must take its course and Yengeni remains innocent until proven otherwise.

Joel Netshitenshe, chief of government communications said in a statement those in the government's service who become involved in corruption, must carry the consequences of their actions.

"The government still trusts that there is nothing wrong with the primary arms contracts. The result of the investigation will decide what the government's actions (against Yengeni) will be. Immediate steps (against Yengeni) rest with the political organisations involved and Parliament."

ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama repeated that Yengeni's guilt must first be proved. "If there is truth in the allegations against comrade Yengeni, the ANC will not hesitate to act."

According to the charge sheet against Yengeni, it is alleged he transgressed the Corruption Act by receiving a 47% discount on his car purchased from a company involved in the arms transactions.

He allegedly received the vehicle with the aim of using his power or influence to sway some of the transactions in the favour of EADS, formerly DaimlerBenz Aerospace and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. 

With acknowledgement to Erika Gibson, Beeld and News24.