Johannesburg - A correctional services official suspected of clearing the criminal record of a notorious parolee was arrested in Boksburg on Friday.
Department spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said the official allegedly took "Bra Solly" Motsepe's name off the department's database. Motsepe, 72, who absconded and has not yet been found, was due to complete his parole in 2017.
The multi-millionaire drug kingpin was arrested in the 1990s following the discovery of over R20 million worth of mandrax tablets and drug manufacturing equipment.
The arrested official, who faces a charge of fraud and corruption, had been working in the IT section of the correctional centre.
He previously worked in the community corrections office in Johannesburg where Motsepe served his sentence.
The arrest comes after a two-week investigation by the department and the Hawks.
He was expected to appear in court on Monday.
Correctional Services national commissioner Tom Moyane welcomed the news and said it was a positive step in rooting out corrupt officials.
Wolela said the Hawks had launched a nationwide manhunt for the offender.
Anyone with information can contact Colonel Patrick Mbotho on 082-576-4407.
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