Key Takeaways
- Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona, the head of the KZN Hawks, admitted to advising alleged criminal businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala to challenge the SAPS’s decision to terminate his R360 million contract.
- Senona attempted to distinguish between encouraging litigation and urging a legal challenge, but ultimately conceded that his advice was inappropriate.
- The commission probed Senona’s failure to sever ties with Matlala despite being aware of the businessman’s multiple criminal allegations.
- Senona struggled to explain why communication between the two continued for months after concerns became apparent.
- The commission expressed skepticism over Senona’s explanation, suggesting that his version of events was "untrue".
Introduction to the Controversy
The Madlanga Commission has been investigating the circumstances surrounding the termination of a lucrative R360 million contract between the SAPS and alleged criminal businessman Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. During his testimony, Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona, the head of the KZN Hawks, admitted to advising Matlala to challenge the SAPS’s decision to terminate the contract. This advice has raised eyebrows, given Senona’s position within the Hawks and his close personal relationship with Matlala.
The Testimony of Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona
Under sharp cross-examination by Adv. Adila Hassim, Senona was questioned about his decision to advise Matlala to challenge the SAPS’s decision. Senona attempted to distinguish between encouraging litigation and urging a legal challenge, stating that he had told Matlala to "take them on" through legal channels. However, when confronted further, Senona conceded that his advice was inappropriate, acknowledging that encouraging Matlala to pursue legal action against the SAPS was wrong, given his position within the Hawks.
The Nature of the Relationship Between Senona and Matlala
The commission also probed Senona’s failure to decisively sever ties with Matlala, even after becoming aware that the businessman was facing multiple criminal allegations. Senona struggled to explain why communication between the two continued for months after those concerns became apparent. When questioned about his relationship with Matlala, Senona stated that he was "gradually moving away" from the businessman, but this explanation drew skepticism from the commission. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga put it to Senona that his explanation did not withstand scrutiny, suggesting that he was battling to account for the continued relationship because his version was "untrue".
The Consequences of Senona’s Actions
Senona ultimately conceded that the prolonged association with Matlala was problematic, acknowledging that it took him far too long to cut ties with the businessman. This admission has significant implications, as it suggests that Senona may have compromised his position within the Hawks by maintaining a close relationship with an alleged criminal. The commission’s findings will likely have far-reaching consequences, and Senona’s testimony will be closely scrutinized as the investigation continues.
The Ongoing Investigation
Senona is expected to continue his three-day testimony on Thursday, and it is likely that the commission will continue to probe his relationship with Matlala and his decision to advise the businessman to challenge the SAPS’s decision. The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome is still uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the revelation that a senior law enforcement official advised an alleged criminal to challenge the SAPS’s decision has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Hawks and the SAPS. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more details will emerge about the nature of the relationship between Senona and Matlala, and the consequences of Senona’s actions will become clearer.
