Kubayi confident Lekgetho will lead SIU with integrity
Leonard Lekgetho becomes the new head of South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit, succeeding Andy Mothibi as government intensifies efforts to fight corruption and protect public funds.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the appointment of Leonard Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit comes at a time when the government continues to strengthen its efforts to combat corruption.
Lekgetho succeeds Andy Mothibi, who left the position on 1 February to take up the role of National Director of Public Prosecutions.
He has spent the past 19 years at the SIU, during which he served in diverse portfolios, from investigations to his current role as Chief Operations Officer.
He also served as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations (known as the Scorpions).
Lekgetho, who assumed office on Tuesday, holds degrees in law, education, and science; a diploma in forensic auditing; and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.
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The department’s spokesperson, Palesa Rammitlwa, said Kubayi is confident that Lekgetho's experience and institutional knowledge will serve him well in leading the SIU.
“ Minister Kubayi says the SIU remains a key institution in our collective efforts to safeguard public resources and strengthen accountability. She is confident that under Mr Lekgetho’s leadership, the SIU will continue to execute its mandate with integrity and ensure that those who abuse public resources are held accountable.”
The SIU is an independent statutory body established in terms of the SIU Act, with the primary mandate to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, state assets and public funds.
The unit can also investigate conduct that may seriously harm the public interest and recover financial losses suffered by state institutions through civil litigation.
