Parliament, Tuesday, 1 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has welcomed the appointment of Mr Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho as the new head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), as of today, calling him competent to continue the SIU’s important work.

Mr Lekgetho’s appointment was announced yesterday by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He succeeds Adv Andy Mothibi, who vacated the position on 1 February 2026, after being appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Lekgetho has been acting SIU head since that time and has now been appointed permanently to ensure stability and continuity within the unit.

Mr Lekgetho has 19 years of experience at the SIU, having joined the organisation in 2007, and has served in various roles, including investigations and his current position as Chief Operations Officer. He also previously served as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations.

Mr Lekgetho holds degrees in law, education and science, and has a diploma in forensic auditing and a postgraduate diploma in cyber law.

Mr Nxola said Mr Lekgetho clearly has the necessary capability and skill to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor at the corruption and maladministration investigative body. “His extensive experience at the SIU and in different investigating arms of law make him an excellent candidate to ensure the good work of the SIU are further strengthened.

“The committee, as the body the oversees the work of the SIU, will continue to vigorously interrogate its work as part of its constitutional mandate and as representatives of the public,” emphasised the Chairperson.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, MR XOLA NQOLA.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:

Name: Rajaa Azzakani (Ms)
Tel: 021 403 8437
Cell: 081 703 9542
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za