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

It is alleged that Woerfel sold the car to Yengeni for R182 563. The normal price for the vehicle is 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 sway 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 freed in October last year on R10 000 bail after appearing in the Cape Town Magistrates Court.

The case was subsequently transferred to the Special Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.