MBOMBELA – A Mpumalanga provincial government official has been dismissed following a forensic investigation that uncovered a web of corruption, conflicts of interest, and illicit “cash send” kickbacks linked to Covid-19 emergency procurement.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) announced on 16 July 16 that it welcomed the dismissal of. Jacob Bandile Ngcobo, a former State Accountant for Property and Facilities within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.
The kickback scheme uncovered
According to the SIU satement, Ngcobo maintained an “inappropriate and corrupt relationship” with Superia Services Trading, a company owned by Tshidi Suzan Sedibe.
While the company was originally contracted in February 2019 to provide standard pest control services for government buildings in the Gert Sibande District Municipality, its lucrative portfolio expanded significantly during the pandemic. Under the National State of Disaster, Superia Services Trading was awarded contracts to provide Covid-19 disinfection services, pocketing a total of R3 758 206,53 from the department between July 2020 and September 2021.
Investigators found that Ngcobo was instrumental in selecting and appointing service providers for these highly sought-after disinfection contracts. In exchange for his influence, he received direct kickbacks. Shortly after the department paid Superia Services Trading, the company sent payments directly to Ngcobo via “cash send”. Between August 2020 and March 2021, Ngcobo pocketed R28 000 in undeclared financial benefits, creating a severe conflict of interest.
Criminal charges and asset seizures
The consequences for Ngcobo and his co-conspirator have extended far beyond his job loss. Following the SIU’s initial referrals in November 2021, both Ngcobo and Sedibe are now facing formal corruption charges in the Commercial Crimes Court in Mbombela.
Furthermore, they have been caught up in a wider, systemic crackdown. In July 2024, the Mpumalanga High Court granted a massive preservation order targeting a corruption network of 22 officials, service providers, and entities.
Under this order, Ngcobo’s personal bank accounts, physical assets, and even his criminal bail money were officially frozen.
The SIU has also recommended disciplinary action against five other departmental officials implicated in related misconduct.
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Commenting on the dismissal, SIU Acting Head Mr Leonard Lekgetho strongly condemned the exploitation of public resources during a national crisis.
“The SIU welcomes the department’s decisive action to dismiss Ngcobo for abusing his position and unlawfully benefiting from funds intended to protect South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Lekgetho said.
“This outcome demonstrates the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and accounting officers in ensuring that officials implicated in corruption are held accountable.”
Lekgetho urged all other government departments to act swiftly on SIU recommendations to protect public assets and restore clean governance.
