PRETORIA, Gauteng — President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially named Leonard Lekgetho as the permanent Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), a strategic move designed to fortify the agency’s capacity to root out state corruption. The appointment, which takes effect on 1 September, was confirmed by the Presidency to ensure long-term institutional stability and a sustained impact in the national fight against crime.
Executed under section 31A of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996, this leadership transition follows the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi. Mothibi stepped down from his role as SIU head on February 1 to assume the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions. Since that transition, Lekgetho has been steering the agency in an acting capacity, and his permanent confirmation is intended to secure the unit’s ongoing operational momentum.
The Presidency emphasized that permanent leadership is crucial for the independent statutory body’s continued effectiveness. Established by the SIU Act, the unit is legally mandated to probe severe claims of maladministration, malpractice, and corruption involving public funds, state assets, and government institutions. Beyond conducting investigations, the SIU is empowered to pursue civil litigation to recoup financial losses incurred by the state and to address any conduct that severely undermines the public interest.
Lekgetho brings a robust academic and professional foundation to the leadership role. His credentials include a multidisciplinary degree encompassing law, education, and science, alongside specialized diplomas in forensics auditing and cyber law.
According to the statement issued by the Presidency, his career spans 19 years within the SIU, beginning in 2007. Over nearly two decades, he has navigated diverse operational portfolios, rising from a frontline investigator to his most recent position as Chief Operations Officer. His extensive background also includes prior service as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations, equipping him with a comprehensive understanding of the unit’s historical and current investigative frameworks.
