Madlanga Commission | KZN Hawks head denies ties to ‘Cat’ Matlala

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major-General Lesetja Senona, has denied that his relationship with alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala was transactional.

Senona testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday, responding to allegations that he maintained close ties with Matlala, following the emergence of WhatsApp messages suggesting favours may have been exchanged.

He told the commission that he was never involved in corruption or political interference within the criminal justice system, adding that he avoids publicity and deliberately keeps a low profile.

Senona testified that he met Matlala through his wife, who shares the same surname as the alleged underworld figure.

“You will realise that I never met Mr. Matlala because he is a businessman. My relationship with Mr. Matlala is not because he is running a security company and all of that. I never even said I am head of the Hawks. I was introduced as the husband to my wife. Both my wife and him share the same surname,” Senona explained.

While confirming that Matlala previously dated his wife’s younger sister, Senona declined to answer whether his wife and Matlala are related, saying he did not wish to engage in that line of questioning without first seeking legal advice.

Senona also rejected claims that he facilitated a business relationship between his son, Thato Senona, and Matlala.

He was questioned about WhatsApp messages allegedly suggesting that he, his son and Matlala were exploring shared business interests. Senona told the commission that he has no interest in any of Matlala’s businesses and that Matlala initially approached him to ask whether he knew Thato — whom he later confirmed is his son.

According to Senona, discussions involving his son took place in late 2024 and related to a potential property deal between Thato and Matlala.

He stressed that his involvement went no further than that of a supportive parent, and said the proposed property deal never materialised. He urged the commission to verify this through the available evidence.

Senona further denied leaking sensitive or classified information to Matlala, escribing the allegations as baseless and speculative.

He has criticised previous testimonies by SAPS Crime Intelligence head, General Dumisani Khumalo and Witness X, arguing that neither provided credible evidence to support claims that confidential information had been shared.

“These other things that I leaked sensitive or classified documents to Mr. Matlala is not true. The things that I have shared with Mr. Matlala were all in a public domain. There was nothing that I took from my office and gave Mr. Matlala to assist him,” Senona said.

He said the allegations had tarnished his professional reputation and created unnecessary tension within the DPCI in KwaZulu-Natal, adding that his son has also suffered financial losses as a result of the testimonies.

Senona further revealed that received a letter of intended transfer last Friday, which he claims was issued after he — through his legal representatives — agreed to testify before the commission.

He also told the commission that he had requested protection, expressing concern that his testimony could endanger his life or career. Senona said he was unhappy with what he described as intimidatory treatment.

 

In addition to the transfer letter, Senona says he has also received notice of a misconduct investigation arising from evidence presented by some witnesses at the commission.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao