How new SIU boss plans to hunt down political heavyweights and powerful officials one by one

New SIU boss Leonard Lekgetho says the unit will investigate politicians and powerful officials without fear, favour or prejudice.

The newly appointed Special Investigating Unit (SIU) head, Leonard Lekgetho, has issued a stern warning to politicians and powerful officials, that their status or political affiliation will not protect them from investigation, promising that the corruption-busting unit will act “without fear, favour or prejudice”.

Lekgetho issued the warning in an exclusive interview with IOL this week.

President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as the new head of the SIU effective September 1.

Lekgetho had been acting head of the unit since February, following the departure of Advocate Andy Mothibi, who was appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).

He has spent more than 19 years at the SIU, having joined the organisation in 2007 and rising through several positions to become chief operations officer.

He also previously worked as an investigator with the now-defunct Directorate of Special Operations, commonly known as the Scorpions.

Lekgetho said his appointment came as a surprise because he had not expected Mothibi to leave the SIU.

“It took me by shock. I think all of us, we were not expecting Advocate Mothibi to leave,” he said.

“But it was a good shock ... because in a way we had prepared the organisation. For me, it was easy for me to say, no, I know everything. I've been involved and I was responsible for the bigger part of this organisation, which is operations, so it's not going to be a train smash.”

Lekgetho said one of his priorities would be protecting the independence and credibility of the SIU, particularly when politically connected people are implicated.

“The independence and credibility of the SIU is very fundamental to its effectiveness,” he said.

“My approach is to anchor on the principle that all investigations must be conducted without fear, favour or prejudice, irrespective of the status of the person, or the politician, or affiliation, or implicated person.”

Lekgetho said investigators should focus on processes rather than individuals, allowing evidence to determine who may ultimately be implicated.