Leonard Lekgetho appointed permanent head of SIU
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed veteran investigator Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the permanent head of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit, providing continuity at a key anti-corruption agency.
Leonard Lekgetho’s SIU appointment took effect on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. He had led the unit in an acting capacity since February, after Advocate Andy Mothibi left to become National Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa made the appointment under section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996. The SIU’s own leadership page now lists Lekgetho as head of the organisation.
Leonard Lekgetho’s SIU appointment provides continuity
Lekgetho brings 19 years of experience within the SIU, having joined the institution in 2007. His work has covered investigations and senior operational responsibilities, including serving as chief operations officer before becoming acting head.
He previously worked as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations, widely known as the Scorpions. According to the Presidency, he holds degrees in law, education and science, a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.
The permanent appointment removes uncertainty around the leadership of an agency responsible for investigating serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, public assets and public funds.
Why the SIU leadership matters
The SIU is an independent statutory body with investigative and civil-recovery powers. It can approach the Special Tribunal or other courts to set aside unlawful contracts and recover money or assets lost by state institutions.
Unlike a criminal-prosecution authority, the SIU’s central role is to investigate matters authorised through presidential proclamations and pursue civil remedies. Evidence indicating possible criminal conduct may be referred to prosecuting authorities.
The Presidency said making Lekgetho’s position permanent was intended to secure institutional stability and sustain the unit’s work against crime and corruption. His appointment gives the organisation an experienced internal successor at a time when it continues to handle investigations across national, provincial and municipal government.
The audio statement supplied with the Presidency’s media release repeated Ramaphosa’s message of support for Lekgetho and described the SIU as a critical part of South Africa’s criminal justice architecture.
Sources
- The Presidency: President Ramaphosa appoints new head of Special Investigating Unit — 31 August 2026, 14:00
- Special Investigating Unit: SIU leadership — accessed 2 September 2026
- IOL: Ramaphosa appoints Leonard Lekgetho as new SIU chief — 1 September 2026
- Jacaranda FM: Ramaphosa appoints Leonard Lekgetho as new SIU head — updated 1 September 2026
- Picture: SIU/X
