Report on the resignation of the SIU Head

26 January 2015

The Presidency has received media enquiries to the effect that the Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Vas Soni has resigned (see here).

The Presidency has not yet received formal communication from Advocate Soni.

His departure would be a great loss to the criminal justice system. Advocate Soni has acquitted himself extremely well and very effectively since taking over as the Head of the SIU.

The Unit has managed to process a lot of investigations in a short space of time under his leadership.

UPDATE:

President Zuma wishes Adv Soni and family well

26 January 2015

President Jacob Zuma has received, with regret, the resignation of the Head of the Special Investigating Unit, Advocate Vas Soni.

Adv Soni has resigned for personal reasons as his wife, Mrs Anitha Soni, is unwell. Mrs Soni is an accomplished businesswoman who has made her mark in the tourism sector. She is also a former Chairperson of Brand SA.

"It is with regret that I accept Adv Soni's resignation given the good work he has done at the SIU in a short space of time, but I understand the painful personal circumstances. Adv Soni had turned the SIU into an effective instrument of fighting maladministration and corruption given his impressive turnaround time with investigations. We wish him and his wife well during this difficult period. We wish Mrs Soni a return to good health," said President Zuma.

Statements issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, Pretoria, January 26 2015

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