Pretoria — Further investigations into the leaked Mpumalanga matric examination papers have led to the arrest of an official from the Mpumalanga Department of Education and eight other people.

According to a statement by the provincial department, the nine suspects were arrested on Sunday.

They are believed to be involved in the incident in which two learners from Trinity College were found in possession of the Mathematics Paper 1 and 2, Physical Science Paper 1 and 2 as well as an Accounting Paper. The two learners and a teacher from the school were arrested at the time.

The learners have been allowed to write their final pending the outcome of the case.

According to a statement from the provincial department, the official who was arrested on Sunday is a typist within the Examination Directorate.

The official as well as the Chief Education Specialist: Question Paper and Marking, have been suspended with immediate effect.

Departmental spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said the department appreciated the diligence in which the police were working on the case.

He said further arrests are expected. "The investigation is continuing and the public will be kept informed on further developments in this regard."

Zwane added that the matric exams, which will end on 4 December, were progressing well.