KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona has been removed from his position following his widely criticised testimony before the Madlanga Commission, where he was questioned about his relationship with jailed businessman and alleged tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
According to reports by Newzroom Afrika, Senona confirmed that he was instructed to vacate his Durban office, while his official work devices were confiscated. The action reportedly took place on Saturday, 31 January 2026, when members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrived at his residence to collect the devices.
Senona has reportedly said that his legal team has formally written to Acting Hawks Head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Nkosi, seeking clarity on the reasons for his removal. He maintains that he has not been formally suspended and was not provided with written reasons for the drastic measures taken against him.
Political pressure and public outcry
Senona’s removal follows mounting political pressure, particularly from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who earlier called for his immediate arrest and removal from office.
The party accused Senona of conduct that allegedly undermined public confidence in law enforcement, citing his continued communication with Matlala despite the latter facing serious criminal allegations. The EFF argued that such conduct was incompatible with Senona’s senior position within the Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit.
Admissions at the Madlanga Commission
During his appearance before the Madlanga Commission, Senona made several admissions that drew sharp criticism from the commission and the public.
He confirmed that he had forwarded a letter relating to the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) to Matlala. Senona insisted that the action was not improper and denied that he leaked sensitive information to benefit Matlala.
Senona also admitted that he had advised Matlala on how to legally challenge the South African Police Service’s cancellation of a R360 million contract. The commission questioned the appropriateness of this advice, noting that Senona occupied a senior law-enforcement position at the time.
In another disclosure, Senona acknowledged that he had shared police documents and an affidavit relating to Emasel Nangy, a suspect arrested in connection with high-profile kidnapping-for-ransom cases, with Matlala. Senona again denied any wrongdoing, stating that he did not believe the information was confidential or that his actions compromised investigations.
The commission, however, expressed concern that the sharing of such material with a private individual alleged to have criminal links raised serious questions about judgement, ethical conduct, and operational integrity.
Unclear status and next steps
As of now, SAPS and the Hawks have not issued a formal public statement confirming whether Senona has been suspended, placed on special leave, or is facing internal disciplinary proceedings.
The confiscation of his devices has fuelled speculation that an internal investigation or criminal probe may be underway, although this has not been officially confirmed.
The Madlanga Commission continues to examine allegations of political interference, compromised investigations, and organised crime influence within law-enforcement structures, with Senona’s testimony forming a key part of its work.
