Picture: Acting SIU Head, Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
2 February 2026- From the landscapes of Taung in the North West, a new chapter of leadership begins for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). This comes after Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho was appointed as the acting SIU Head by the Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said Lekgetho is a leader whose entire career has been a relentless pursuit of justice, integrity and accountability.
Kganyago said 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.
“Lekgetho 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,” he said.
Kganyago further said Lekgetho is not new at the SIU. He added that he is a long-standing leader at the Unit with over 20 years of experience.
“Within the SIU, 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,” said Kganyago.
He said Lekgetho holds an LLB, a B.Sc. Honours in Geographic Information Systems and specialised diplomas in Criminal Justice, Cyber Law, Advanced Project Management and others. Kganyago said Lekgetho further strengthening his leadership are training at the FBI Academy in Washington D.C. and the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre,
protecting the public interest and assets through prevention measures and systemic investigations to eradicate fraud, maladministration, and corruption.
“This has equipped him with both a national and global perspective on anti-corruption strategy and institutional governance. As acting Head, 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lekgetho replaces former Head of the SIU, advocate Andy Mothibi who is now the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Head.
“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,” said Lekgetho.
He said Mothibi’s 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,” said Lekgetho.
The Guardian 