Former Hyundai South Africa boss Billy Rautenbach is expected to testify when the Jackie Selebi corruption trial resumes this morning. Rautenbach is alleged to have bribed Selebi to intervene against his arrest warrant on tax evasion charges.

The former police chief faces charges related to his alleged corrupt relationship with convicted drug smuggler Glen Agliotti. The trial was adjourned on Tuesday to trace Rautenbach amid media speculation that he had gone to ground.

Rautenbach agreed to testify against Selebi in exchange for a plea agreement on tax evasion charges. He was among three witnesses, who according to weekend newspaper reports had gone to ground. The National Prosecuting Authority refused to comment on the claims. While referring to the media speculation, Prosecutor Gerrie Nel did not want to go into the reasons why Rautenbach was not currently available to testify.

This comes on the back of evidence from former prosecutions chief, Vusi Pikoli, who strongly denied Selebi's counter allegations of corruption. Pikoli testified that Selebi had asked him to withdraw charges against Rautenbach or face an embarrassing scandal.

Convicted druglord, Agliotti has testified that he gave Selebi $30 000 (about R222 000) of a $100 000 payment he received from Rautenbach to get a warrant for his (Rautenbach) arrest lifted.

The former police chief is currently standing trial on corruption charges and defeating the ends of justice.