Lekgetho succeeds Advocate Andy Mothibi, who left the position on February 1 to become National Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lekgetho had been serving as Acting Head of the SIU following Mothibi’s departure. The permanent appointment is intended to provide stability to the Unit as it continues its work in combating corruption and recovering public funds.

The appointment was made in terms of Section 3(1)(a) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act of 1996.

The SIU is an independent statutory body mandated to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration involving state institutions, state assets and public funds.

The Unit is also empowered to investigate conduct that could seriously harm public interests and recover financial losses suffered by state institutions through civil litigation.

The SIU can institute civil proceedings to correct wrongdoing identified through investigations.

Lekgetho has 19 years of experience at the SIU, having joined the organisation in 2007. The experience includes various roles in investigations and operations, with Lekgetho most recently serving as Chief Operations Officer.

Lekgetho also previously worked as an investigator in the former Directorate of Special Operations.

The new SIU Head 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, alongside the leadership and staff of the SIU, well as Lekgetho assumes responsibility for an agency regarded as a key component of SA’s criminal justice system in the fight against crime and corruption.

–ChannelAfrica–