News Desk Reporter
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the permanent head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), effective today.
Lekgetho has been acting in the position since February, following the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi, who left the SIU to take up the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions.
His permanent appointment is intended to provide stability and continuity as the SIU continues its work investigating corruption and other serious wrongdoing involving the state.
Ramaphosa made the appointment in terms of Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.
Lekgetho has 19 years of experience at the SIU, having joined the organisation in 2007. His career at the Unit has covered several areas, from investigations to operations.
He currently serves as the SIU’s Chief Operations Officer. He also previously worked as an investigator with the former Directorate of Special Operations.
The SIU is an independent statutory body responsible for investigating serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, public money and state assets.
Its mandate also includes investigating conduct that could seriously harm the interests of the public.
Where wrongdoing is uncovered, the SIU can take civil action to recover financial losses suffered by state institutions. It can also pursue civil remedies to address wrongdoing identified during its investigations.
Lekgetho takes over the permanent leadership of the Unit as it continues to play a key role in South Africa’s efforts to combat corruption and strengthen accountability in the public sector.
He holds degrees in law, education and science, as well as a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.
Ramaphosa wished Lekgetho well as he assumes leadership of the SIU.
The President also wished the Unit’s leadership and staff well as they continue their work as a critical part of South Africa’s criminal justice architecture in the fight against crime and corruption.