A former state accountant in Mpumalanga's Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, Jacob Bandile Ngcobo, has been dismissed following a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe into corruption linked to the procurement of COVID-19 disinfection services.The SIU confirmed the dismissal as a critical step in holding officials accountable.

Investigations revealed Ngcobo had an improper relationship with Superia Services Trading, which secured government contracts for pest control and later disinfection services during the pandemic.The company received over R3.75 million from the department between July 2020 and September 2021, with funds allegedly transferred to Ngcobo via cash-send transactions.The SIU found Ngcobo failed to declare financial benefits, creating a conflict of interest.

The matter was referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for criminal prosecution, with Ngcobo and Superia's owner, Tshidi Suzan Sedibe, facing charges in the Commercial Crimes Court.A preservation order froze R52.6 million in assets linked to a corruption network involving 22 officials.The SIU emphasized collaboration between agencies to ensure accountability, urging departments to strengthen governance to protect public resources.