Pretoria: President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Lekgetho as head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with effect from today. In a statement on Monday evening, The Presidency confirmed that President Ramaphosa made this appointment in terms of section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996 (SIU Act).

According to South African Government News Agency, Lekgetho succeeds Adv Andy Mothibi, who left his position as Head of the SIU on 1 February 2026 to become the National Director of Public Prosecutions. Lekgetho was initially appointed to act as head of the SIU and has now been made the permanent Head to ensure stability and continued impact in the fight against crime.

The Special Investigating Unit is an independent statutory body established in terms of the SIU Act. Its primary mandate is to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration within State institutions, State assets, and public funds, as well as conduct that could harm public interests. The SIU aims to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions through civil litigation and is empowered to take civil action to address any wrongdoing uncovered in its investigations.

Lekgetho brings 19 years of experience within the SIU, having served in roles ranging from investigation to his recent position as Chief Operations Officer. His background also includes work as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations. He holds degrees in law, education, and science, along with a diploma in forensic auditing and a post-graduate diploma in cyber law.

The Presidency expressed President Ramaphosa's well wishes to Mr. Lekgetho and the SIU's leadership and staff as he assumes leadership of an agency considered a critical component of the criminal justice system against crime and corruption.