Michael Woerfel, the suspended managing director of a company with a stake in the country's multi-billion arms deal, is expected to appear in the Special Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on corruption and forgery charges today. 

Woerfel, who was overseas when Tony Yengeni, the former African National Congress chief whip, was arrested on corruption, forgery and perjury charges last week, promises to be back in time for the court appearance, a spokesperson for the National Directorate of Public Prosecutions said yesterday.  

A warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Together with Yengeni, Woerfel faces charges of corruption and forgery related to a discount given to Yengeni when he bought a luxury Mercedes Benz 4X4. Woerfel was at the time the managing director of European Aeronautic Defence Systems (EADS). 

The state alleges Yengeni received the vehicle, with the intention "to use his power, or exercise his influence, to influence the arms acquisitions process" in favour of EADS' predecessor, Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG or DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG". 

The forgery charge pertains to an agreement of sale drafted in respect of the transaction. 

Yengeni faces a charge of fraud as alternative to the main corruption charge. He also faces a statutory perjury charge in connection with what the prosecution claims was false evidence given to the arms deal investigators.

He was last week freed on R10 000 bail after appearing in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court. The case was postponed to January 25 and transferred to the Special Commercial Crimes Court. 

Yengeni has since announced his resignation as chief whip. 

With acknowledgement to Sapa and SABC News.