Umtata - Fifteen Eastern Cape government officials were arrested by the Scorpions on Thursday in connection with corruption charges.

Sipho Ngwema of the Scorpions said the raids were conducted in Umtata and Port Elizabeth.

He said the operation brought the number of arrests in connection with corruption and theft in the province to 70.

The swoop, by a joint task team comprising the Scorpions and police, began in December and are continuing.

Ngwema said more arrests were expected.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and www.news24.co.za