The trial of former African National Congress chief whip Tony Yengeni and businessman Michael Woerfel on corruption and other charges relating to South Africa's controversial multi-billion rand arms deal, was postponed in the Special Commercial Crimes Court today.

The two were ordered to appear in court again on March 15. Both are out on bail. A charge of perjury against Yengeni was withdrawn during their brief appearance in Pretoria.

The charges relate to an alleged 47 percent discount given to Yengeni when he bought a luxury Mercedes Benz 4X4 in a deal apparently organised by Woerfel, who was the managing director of European Aeronautic Defence Systems (EADS) at the time.

It is alleged that Woerfel sold the car to Yengeni for R182 563. The retail price for the vehicle was about R349 950. Yengeni sold the infamous Mercedes for R220 000 in November last year.

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. The statutory perjury charge he faced initially related to alleged false evidence given to the arms deal investigators.

Yengeni was released on R10 000 bail after appearing in the Cape Town Magistrates Court in October last year. The case was subsequently transferred to the Special Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.