Tony Yengeni's future as a member of parliament lies in the hands of a magistrate.

After months of denial, Yengeni was on Thursday convicted of fraud in connection with the multibillion-rand arms deal following a plea-bargain deal with the prosecution.

His seat in parliament depends on the sentence that the presiding officer hands down. Magistrate Bill Moyses is expected to pronounce the sentence on Monday.

The constitution states that MPs may not keep their seats if sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment without the option of a fine. This only kicks in after all of Yengeni's chances of appeal are exhausted.

His fate also lies with the African National Congress, which has indicated that it will come down hard on public officials involved in fraud and corruption. However, the ANC in parliament on Thursday reserved comment.

Cuba Mahaye, spokesperson for ANC chief whip Nathi Nhleko, said the party would not comment until it had seen a copy of the court documents and had been fully briefed by Yengeni.

In return for pleading guilty to the fraud charge, Yengeni was acquitted of corruption charges relating to the discounted 4x4 he bought from Mercedes-Benz in 1998.

The fraud charge relates to his failure to disclose to parliament that he had received the benefit of the discount.

Yengeni admitted he acted in breach of his public duties and with the intent to defraud parliament.

Yengeni admitted that, as committee chairperson, he was duty-bound to act as an independent and impartial overseer of arms acquisitions – and not to take any improper benefit.

Arguments in mitigation and aggravation of sentence are to start on Monday.

With acknowledgements to Andre Koopman, Sapa and The Star.