The Correctional Services Department remains mum about Tony Yengeni after his Sunday night arrest on suspicion of drunk driving.

On Monday, spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said an investigation would be held into Yengeni's possible breach of his parole conditions.

The conditions, released yesterday, prohibit the use of alcohol and allow only prescribed drugs. Yengeni said he did not drink alcohol but had taken flu medication.

Wolela said the department would comment only once it had received a report, but refused to say when this could be expected.

SA Prisoners' Organisation for Human Rights president Golden Miles Bhudu claimed the "whole thing will be brushed under the carpet" by the departments.

"He (Yengeni) is supposed to behave, guided by the rules and regulations, until such a time that the fat lady has sung," said Bhudu.

He said Yengeni had received preferential treatment in prison.

"When he was arrested, the justice system treated him with kid gloves, and also when he was imprisoned," added Bhudu.

He said Yengeni had not learnt from his four months in prison.

"Yengeni is doing this because he feels he was the sacrificial lamb (in the arms deal probe)," said Bhudu.

Dennis Bloem, chairperson of parliament's portfolio committee on correctional services, said parole officers were doing "a great job".

But, Bloem noted, the officers could not be expected to monitor parolees 24 hours a day.

"It's impossible because there are thousands in this country," he said.

With acknowledgement to The Star.