Ramaphosa names Leonard Lekgetho permanent head of the SIU

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as the permanent head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed the appointment on Monday.

A formal appointment under the SIU Act

Ramaphosa made the appointment in terms of section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996, the presidency said. Lekgetho had been serving as acting head of the SIU since February, after Advocate Andy Mothibi left the position to become the National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Experience within the unit

Lekgetho joined the SIU in 2007 and has served in several portfolios within the organisation. The presidency said his permanent appointment aims to secure the stability of the unity and its ongoing impact in the fight against crime.

Mandate and powers of the SIU

The presidency reiterated the SIU’s role as an independent statutory body established under the SIU Act. Its primary mandate is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money, and to pursue recovery of financial losses suffered by State institutions through civil litigation. The SIU is empowered to take civil action to correct wrongdoing uncovered in its investigations.

Background and qualifications

The presidency noted that Lekgetho previously served as an investigator in the now-defunct Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions. His academic qualifications include degrees in law, education and science, a diploma in forensic auditing and a post-graduate diploma in cyber law.

Magwenya said: “President Ramaphosa wishes Mr Lekgetho and the leadership and staff of the SIU well as Mr Lekgetho assumes leadership of an agency that is a critical component of the criminal justice architecture against crime and corruption.”

The presidency made the announcement through its spokesperson; further details were provided in the official statement.