Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, has expressed condolences to the family and friends of former Judge Willem Heath, following his death this week.
Heath served as the first head of the corruption busting unit. The SIU’s foundation can be traced back to 1995 when former Judge Heath led the Heath Commission of Inquiry. The commission’s groundbreaking work revealed a critical gap in law enforcement, highlighting the need for a permanent body to address fraud, corruption, and maladministration – a role the SIU continues to fulfil today.
Under Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements. His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard State resources, solidifying the SIU’s role as a guardian of the public purse.
Heath began his career as a prosecutor before establishing a successful private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal field. Appointed by former President Nelson Mandela in 1995, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), one of the country’s foremost corruption-fighting agencies.
Under his stewardship, the SIU undertook critical investigations that set new benchmarks for public sector accountability, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed.
“Former Judge Heath’s unwavering dedication to eradicating corruption and upholding the rule of law has left an indelible mark on our nation’s judiciary and public life.
“As the SIU, we will carry forward Judge Heath’s legacy and values and pledge to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability that the late judge championed throughout his career. His wisdom, fairness, and steadfast commitment to justice will be deeply missed by the members of the SIU, the legal fraternity, and the entire country,” Mothibi said.
The unit paid homage to Heath as a “pivotal figure in the fight against corruption” and for laying the foundation for the formation of the SIU.
“Former Judge Heath, often referred to as ‘the people’s judge’, was approached by former President Nelson Mandela and the then-Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, to assist the Department of Justice and the Office of the State Law Advisor in drafting the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act. He subsequently became the inaugural head of the SIU.
“Under former Judge Heath’s leadership, the Heath Commission investigated incidents of fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape, earning widespread recognition for its achievements.
“His leadership helped establish a strong stance against corruption and introduced proactive measures to safeguard state resources, solidifying the SIU’s role as a guardian of the public purse,” the SIU said. – SAnews.gov.za
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What is Fraud? “Fraud” is any activity that relies on deception in order to achieve a gain. Fraud becomes a crime when it is a “knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment” (Black’s Law Dictionary). In other words, if you lie in order to deprive a person or organization of their money or property, you’re committing fraud.