SIU's Mothibi flags increasing threats against investigators probing corruption
SIU head Andy Mothibi has appealed to corruption-busting agencies in the region to be vigilant and to band together when those accused of corruption fight back.
SIU head, Andy Mothibi, on the sidelines of the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa in Cape Town on 5 May 2025. Picture: Lindsay Dentlinger/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi, has warned of the deadly nature of investigating corruption in South Africa, saying it's becoming an increasing trend.
He's appealed to corruption-busting agencies in the region to be vigilant and to band together when those accused of corruption fight back.
The SIU is hosting representatives from African Commonwealth countries at the 15th edition of a week-long Anti-Corruption Conference in Cape Town.
Mothibi said that this week's conference is intended to exchange best practices and innovative measures to combat corruption.
He said that threats against SIU investigators had been growing, evidenced by its investigations into the national lottery and Fort Hare University.
"We know that is the fight of those we are investigating, those who are corrupt."
Mothibi said he believed that last week's killing of a State prosecutor in the Eastern Cape was also linked to corruption investigations.
With the support of the French embassy, the SIU has been able to turn its training offering into a formal academy to hone the skills of civil servants across the continent.
"There’s a big focus on data analytics, and how we use data analytics and technology in enhancing the fight against corruption."
Officials from the public protector's office, the revenue service and the police investigative directorate are among those which have already benefited from the SIU's training.