Cape Town – The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has a new leader. Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho has been appointed Acting Head of the SIU by the President, marking a new chapter in the institution’s ongoing battle against corruption and maladministration.
Hailing from Taung in the North West, Lekgetho brings over 20 years of experience within the SIU and a distinguished career in law enforcement.
His journey began on the front lines as a Special Investigator with the Directorate of Special Operations, widely known as the Scorpions, where he specialised in investigating fraud, organised crime, and cybercrime.
Though the Scorpions were disbanded, Lekgetho continued his anti-corruption work with the SIU, rising through key leadership roles including Chief Forensic Investigator, Projects Director, Chief National Investigations Officer, and Chief Operations Officer.
“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,” Lekgetho said.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD: MR LEONARD GAORETELELWE LEKGETHO
From the landscapes of Taung in the North West, a new chapter of leadership begins for the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). We are proud to announce the appointment of Mr Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the Acting Head… pic.twitter.com/z9EB7j7K8r
— Special Investigating Unit (SIU) (@RSASIU) February 2, 2026
“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. His 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.”
Lekgetho’s academic and professional qualifications reflect his expertise in anti-corruption and investigative work. He holds an LLB, a B.Sc.
Honours in Geographic Information Systems, and diplomas in Criminal Justice, Cyber Law, and Advanced Project Management. He has also received specialised training at the FBI Academy in Washington D.C. and the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre.
As Acting Head, Lekgetho has pledged to uphold the SIU’s mandate with operational excellence, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, and ensure the Unit remains a trusted force against corruption.
“His appointment is one of continuity in the fight against corruption,” the SIU said in a statement. “From Scorpion to Cobra, his transition was not a departure, but an evolution in service to the same cause.”
The SIU also extended its best wishes to Adv Andy Mothibi, the outgoing Head, who now leads the National Prosecuting Authority.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
