By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with effect from 1st of September 2026.
Lekgetho succeeds Advocate Andy Mothibi, who left the position on 1 February to take up the role of Director of National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).
He was subsequently appointed to act as head of the SIU.
The president’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said, Ramaphosa appointed Lekgetho in line with section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (SIU Act).
“Lekgetho was subsequently appointed to act as head of the SIU. He has now been appointed as permanent head to secure the stability of the unit and its ongoing impact in the fight against crime,” said Magwenya.
His appointment comes as SIU continues to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration and the misuse of public resources across government institutions.
The unit has powers to institute civil proceedings to recover money or assets lost by the state as a result of unlawful conduct.
Lekgetho’s experience in the SIU spans 19 years from 2007 to the present, during which he served in diverse portfolios, including chief forensic investigator, assistant project manager, project manager, and chief national investigations officer.
The new Head of the SIU holds degrees in law, education and science; a diploma in forensic auditing and a post-graduate diploma in cyber law.