From Kuruman to Washington

Leonard McCarthy was the head of South Africa's Scorpions crime fighting unit. Born in Wrenchville, Kuruman, he will soon be moving to Washington, to join the World Bank's anti-corruption unit. His mother, Grace McCarthy, still lives in Wrenchville, with her son Anton. Her husband, Joseph, did not live to see Leonard's successes. After leaving primary school in Wrenchville, Leonard went to Kimberley. He intended studying to become a teacher, but changed to law instead and studied through Unisa while living at home. During his studies, he met a local lawyer, Wouter Jordaan, who gave him access to his private law library. After earning his degree, Leonard went to work in Cape Town, eventually becoming a lawyer. He married Margaret and they have a son.