Leonard Lekgetho Biography
Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho is a South African public servant and investigator who has served as Head of the Special Investigating Unit since September 2026.
| Legal Name | Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho |
|---|---|
| Current Position | Head of the SIU |
| Alma mater | University of North West, University of South Africa |
| Known for | Leadership in anti-corruption investigations |
Education
Lekgetho holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Geographic Information Systems from the University of North West. He also earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of South Africa. His academic credentials include postgraduate diplomas in Criminal Justice, Cyber Law, and advanced project management.
Career and Public Service
Lekgetho's career in public service spans 19 years, beginning in 2007. He has held various positions within the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), including Chief Forensic Investigator, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, Chief National Investigations Officer, and Chief Operations Officer. Prior to his tenure at the SIU, he served as a Special Investigator with the Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions.
In February 2026, Lekgetho was appointed as Acting Head of the SIU following the departure of his predecessor, Andy Mothibi. His appointment as the permanent Head of the SIU took effect on September 1, 2026.
Key Developments
Under Lekgetho's leadership, the SIU has focused on investigating serious allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration within state institutions. The unit is empowered to take civil action to address wrongdoing uncovered during investigations. Notably, Lekgetho has emphasized the importance of accountability and the recovery of public funds.
In recent statements, he has highlighted ongoing investigations into fraud and corruption in the health sector, including cases involving the Tembisa Hospital. He has also addressed issues related to irregularities in bursary allocations by the Free State provincial government.
As of September 2026, Leonard Gaoretelelwe Lekgetho serves as the Head of the Special Investigating Unit, where he continues to lead efforts against corruption and promote integrity within South African public institutions. His extensive experience and academic background inform his approach to leadership and investigation within the SIU.
