Madlanga Commission | KZN Hawks head accused of sharing sensitive information with ‘Cat’ Matlala

The Madlanga Commission has revealed evidence alleging that KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head,  Major-General Lesetja Senona shared sensitive information with alleged underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The commission heard that Senona allegedly forwarded an affidavit to Matlala shortly after a News24 article was published about the liquidation of a R360-million tender linked to Matlala.

This comes just a day after Senona, under oath, vehemently denied sharing classified or sensitive police information with Matlala.

Senona told the commission that the affidavit had already been leaked and that he merely forwarded it to Matlala. This despite the fact that, as Hawks director, he had the authority to prevent the circulation of such a document.

Beyond the affidavit, the commission heard that information allegedly shared between the pair included business addresses, marriage certificates, details of business dealings, and personal information relating to DPCI officials.

Senona maintained that the information he shared was random and insisted there was no sinister intent behind forwarding the affidavit.

“Commissioner I said in my response that when I read the affidavit, based on that I didn’t realise that magnitude and the volume of this document so I merely forwarded it,” Senona said.

The major-general was also accused of being untruthful after claiming he had cut ties with Matlala in March last year.

Senona testfied that as early as 5 March, he had decided to terminate all communication with Matlala, who at the time was under scrutiny after his SAPS Medicare24 contract was terminated amid allegations of irregular procurement.

Justice Madlanga rejected this claim after WhatsApp messages between the two — dated months after March — were presented to the commission. One of the messages from Senona to Matlala, read: “Take them on, brother.”

Justice Madlanga also introduced a 32-page exhibit showing sustained communication between the pair over several months.

Senona conceded that he had erred by showing what he described as empathy towards Matlala, saying he now realises he should not have done so. However, he maintained that he has been truthful before the commission.

He further claimed that he only became aware of Matlala’s alleged criminal activities after Matlala appeared before the Ad hoc Committee.

Senona was the questioned how that could be possible, given Senona’s position as Hawks director and the extensive media coverage surrounding Matlala’s alleged criminal dealings.

Senona told the commission that he rarely follows news reports.

“I don’t have to understand something that I didn’t see. I don’t think that is a fair question. I can’t understand something that I didn’t see,” Senona said.

Justice Madlanga said he found it strange that Senona appeared nonchalant about his relationship with Matlala, whom he had previously described as someone he had grown close to over the years.

Senona pleaded with the commission not to pressure him to respond to certain allegations, saying he did not have answers to some of the questions put to him.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao