Key Takeaways:
- Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, testified at the Madlanga Commission about his relationship with alleged tender tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala
- Senona described his bond with Matlala as "brotherly" and maintained a close relationship despite knowing Matlala was under investigation for corruption
- Commissioners expressed frustration with Senona’s explanations, questioning his judgment and accountability as a senior police officer
- Senona conceded he continued engaging Matlala socially and professionally, even after learning of the allegations against him
- The commission chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, pressed Senona on why he did not immediately sever ties with Matlala after deciding to distance himself
Introduction to the Testimony
The Madlanga Commission, tasked with investigating corruption and organized crime, heard testimony from Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Hawks. Senona’s testimony was highly anticipated, as he was expected to shed light on his relationship with alleged tender tycoon Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. However, his responses drew visible frustration from the commissioners, who questioned his judgment and accountability as a senior police officer. Senona began testifying on Monday and returned on Thursday, after expressing feelings of being "crucified" during the relentless questioning.
The Relationship with Matlala
Senona described his bond with Matlala as a "brotherly" relationship, which began when they met at his wedding in Mamelodi in 2018. He maintained a close relationship with Matlala until the latter’s arrest in May last year. However, this explanation drew concerns from the commissioners, particularly when Senona conceded he knew Matlala was under investigation by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit for his alleged role in the multibillion-rand Tembisa Hospital corruption scandal. Despite this knowledge, Senona admitted he continued engaging Matlala socially and professionally, even exchanging WhatsApp messages with him a day before his arrest.
Commissioners’ Frustration
The commissioners, particularly Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, expressed frustration with Senona’s explanations. Madlanga reminded Senona of his duties as a senior police officer entrusted with upholding integrity and public confidence. The commission chairperson pressed Senona on why, after deciding to end contact with Matlala, he continued communicating instead of cutting him off immediately, given the gravity of the allegations. Senona responded that he was "moving away" from Matlala, an answer that did little to quell concerns about his judgment and accountability. The commissioners’ frustration was evident, as they questioned how Senona could justify maintaining a close relationship with someone linked to serious corruption and organized crime networks.
Accountability and Independence
The commission’s inquiry into Senona’s relationship with Matlala raises concerns about the accountability and independence of the Hawks leadership. As a senior police officer, Senona is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and public confidence. His failure to immediately sever ties with Matlala, despite knowing of the allegations against him, has raised questions about his judgment and ability to make sound decisions. The Madlanga Commission’s investigation into corruption and organized crime has highlighted the need for accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. The testimony of Senona has shed light on the challenges faced by these agencies in maintaining their independence and integrity, particularly when it comes to relationships with individuals linked to corruption.
Conclusion and Implications
The testimony of Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona at the Madlanga Commission has significant implications for the accountability and independence of the Hawks leadership. The commission’s inquiry has highlighted the need for transparency and integrity within law enforcement agencies, particularly when it comes to relationships with individuals linked to corruption. The case of Senona and Matlala serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by these agencies in maintaining their independence and integrity. As the commission continues its investigation, it is likely that more revelations will come to light, shedding further light on the complexities of corruption and organized crime in South Africa. Ultimately, the testimony of Senona has raised important questions about the accountability and judgment of senior police officers, and the need for greater transparency and integrity within law enforcement agencies.
