Pretoria - An official from the Vereeniging Correctional Centre is expected to appear in court today, where she will be facing charges of fraud and corruption.
The official's arrest follows a three-month investigation by the Correctional Services' Departmental Investigating Unit (DIU) of bribery soliciting allegations.
The DIU acted on a tip-off by a service provider who allegedly fell prey to the procurement official who solicited bribes.
The official was arrested on Thursday by the SA Police Service.
The official has since been placed on suspension by the department, pending finalisation of investigations and disciplinary processes.
Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Nontsikelelo Jolingana, welcomed the arrest, adding that the department is encouraged by its successes. She believes they have sent a clear message to would-be culprits that there is no room for fraudsters and corrupt officials the service.
" ... The department's zero tolerance to fraud, corruption and serious maladministration netted us the third top spot among 85 government institutions," said Jolingana.
