Ramaphosa appoints Lekgetho as acting SIU head as Mothibi takes charge of crisis-hit NPA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed, Leonard Lekgetho, as acting head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) from February 1, following the elevation of advocate Andy Mothibi to lead the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Mothibi was appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) on Tuesday, succeeding advocate Shamila Batohi, whose seven-year term ends in January.

His appointment immediately created a vacancy at the SIU, prompting Ramaphosa to move quickly to ensure continuity at the corruption-busting agency.

“The President has decided to appoint Leonard Lekgetho as the Acting Head of the Special Investigating Unit with effect from 1 February 2026,” the Presidency said, citing Section 3(1)(b) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act.

Lekgetho currently serves as the SIU’s Chief Operations Officer.

The leadership changes come at a decisive moment for the NPA, which remains under mounting pressure to restore public confidence and deliver successful prosecutions in major corruption and organised crime cases.

Despite renewed efforts and structural reforms, the authority continues to battle a heavy case backlog, limited prosecutorial capacity and the lingering effects of years of institutional erosion.

High-profile cases linked to state capture, public procurement fraud and financial crimes have moved slowly through the courts, fuelling criticism that accountability for grand corruption remains elusive.

Mothibi has inherited an institution under intense scrutiny to translate investigations into convictions and demonstrate tangible progress.

Lekgetho’s appointment is expected to stabilise the SIU at a time when its work is critical to supporting the NPA’s prosecutorial mandate.

With more than 22 years’ experience in forensic investigations, he is regarded as a seasoned operator within the criminal justice system.

He previously served as a forensic investigator at the Directorate of Special Operations, known as the Scorpions, and has held senior leadership roles at the SIU, including Chief National Investigations Officer.

He has also undergone specialised training at the FBI Academy and is recognised for his expertise in anti-corruption strategies.

Lekgetho holds multiple qualifications in law, criminal justice and forensic auditing, reinforcing his credentials to lead the SIU during this transition.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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