From the landscapes of Taung in the North West, a new chapter of leadership begins for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). We are proud to announce the appointment of Mr Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the Acting Head of the SIU by the President. Mr Lekgetho is a leader whose entire career has been a relentless pursuit of justice, integrity, and accountability.
His appointment is one of continuity in the fight against corruption. It began on the front lines as a Special Investigator with the Directorate of Special Operations, also known as the Scorpions, where he honed his skills in investigating fraud, organised crime, and cybercrime offences. Though the era of the Scorpions ended, his venom against corruption did not. He brought that same unwavering resolve to the SIU, an institution symbolised by the cobra, an emblem of focus, precision, and decisive action. From Scorpion to Cobra, his transition was not a departure, but an evolution in service to the same cause.
Mr Lekgetho is not new at the SIU. He is a long-standing leader at the Unit with over 20 years of experience. Within the SIU, Mr Lekgetho rose through key leadership roles, from Chief Forensic Investigator to Projects Director, Chief National Investigations Officer, Chief Operations Officer and now the Acting Head of the SIU. He has been the heartbeat of many SIU investigations. He continues to deepen his oversight of high-profile investigations and expand his strategic command, preparing him to lead the institution he has helped to shape.
His extensive academic and professional training underscores his authority. He holds an LLB, a B.Sc. Honours in Geographic Information Systems, and specialised diplomas in Criminal Justice, Cyber Law, Advanced Project Management and others. Further strengthening his leadership are training at the FBI Academy in Washington D.C., and the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre, which equipped him with both a national and global perspective on anti-corruption strategy and institutional governance.
As acting Head, Mr Lekgetho pledges to guide the SIU with unwavering principles, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to its mandate. He is a leader forged in the discipline of forensic investigation, dedicated to enhancing the Unit’s capacity, fostering collaboration with stakeholders, and ensuring the SIU remains a formidable and trusted force against corruption and maladministration.
Please join us in welcoming Mr Leonard Lekgetho as the new Head of the Special Investigating Unit. The mission continues with clarity, courage, and renewed purpose.
As we welcome the new head of the SIU, we would like to wish the former Head of the SIU and now National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi, the best as he continues to intensify the fight against corruption and protect the interests of South Africans.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate Adv Mothibi most sincerely on his appointment as the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). I also want to express my gratitude to him for the 10 years we have worked closely together. I am immensely grateful to have served under his leadership, as the SIU has transformed into a powerful entity for accountability, demonstrating impressive capabilities in intricate civil investigations, legal proceedings, and the recovery of public funds. His appointment as the NDPP will strengthen the SIU’s relationship with the NPA. We will carry the baton forward and strengthen the SIU as the guardian of the public purse,” expressed Mr Lekgetho.
Enquiries:
Kaizer Kganyago
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
082 306 8888
KKganyago@siu.org.za