PRETORIA, Gauteng — President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed Leonard Lekgetho as the new permanent Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective 1 September. This strategic appointment aims to secure the stability of the independent statutory body and reinforce its ongoing impact in the fight against crime and public sector maladministration.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, the appointment was made in terms of section 31A of the SIU and Special Tribunals Act of 1996. Lekgetho succeeds Advocate Andy Mothibi, who exited his position as head of the SIU on February 1 to assume the role of National Director of Public Prosecutions. Following Mothibi’s departure, Lekgetho was initially appointed to act as the head of the SIU before being confirmed in the permanent role to ensure continuity and institutional stability.
The SIU operates as an independent statutory body established under the SIU Act. Its primary mandate is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration concerning the administration of state institutions, state assets, and public money. Furthermore, the unit is tasked with probing conduct that may seriously harm the public interest and recovering any financial losses suffered by state institutions through civil litigation.
The presidential statement highlighted Lekgetho’s extensive academic and professional background. He holds a degree in law, education, and science, complemented by a diploma in forensics auditing and a post-graduate diploma in cyber law.
His professional experience spans 19 years, from 2007 to the present, within the SIU. During this tenure, he has served in diverse portfolios, progressing from an investigator to his most recent role as Chief Operations Officer. Additionally, the statement noted that he previously served as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations.
The appointment, taking effect on 1 September, underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutional capacity of the SIU in safeguarding public resources and upholding accountability in state affairs.
