Senona Claims He Was Forced Out as KZN Police Commissioner
Durban – Major-General Lesetja Senona, the head of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Na tal, has claimed he was abruptly pushed out of his office and had his devices taken away on orders from provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This dramatic move comes amid an ongoing investigation into Senona’s conduct, sparked by his explosive testimony at a high-level inquiry into corruption within the justice system. As details emerge about alleged shady deals, leaked information, and a massive drug theft, the fallout raises serious questions about trust and accountability in South Africa’s law enforcement ranks.
Sudden Ousting: Senona’s Claims of Forced Removal from Office
Senona broke the news of his removal, saying he was kicked out while under scrutiny, with his gadgets seized to prevent any tampering or leaks. He pointed the finger at Mkhwanazi for directing the action, calling it a direct response to his role in exposing sensitive matters. This step is part of broader probes into top officers, where Senona himself has been referred for criminal investigation following recommendations from a judicial commission.
For those unfamiliar with such processes, this means Senona is now sidelined from his duties, unable to access his work tools or premises, while officials dig deeper into allegations against him. It is a common tactic in misconduct cases to preserve evidence and avoid interference, but Senona sees it as retaliation for speaking out. This event unfolded against a backdrop of rising tensions, where high-ranking cops are accused of bending rules for personal connections, shaking public faith in the force meant to protect them.
Ties to Controversial Businessman: The Matlala Connection Exposed
At the heart of the storm is Senona’s close relationship with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman facing attempted murder charges and linked to organised crime. During his testimony, Senona admitted to sharing confidential police information with Matlala, including a full docket on a civil claim against the police by an alleged Mozambican kidnapper. This docket contained personal details of SAPS officers, like ID numbers and contact info, which Senona sent via WhatsApp.
He described Matlala as a “brother” and said their bond started through mutual acquaintances, evolving into social meet-ups. Even after learning of serious allegations against Matlala in March 2025, Senona kept in touch, only slowly pulling back before Matlala’s arrest in May. He also shared a news article suggesting Mkhwanazi was not vying for the national Hawks top job, claiming it was just casual sharing. These admissions have painted Senona as too cosy with a suspect, breaching the strict codes that demand officers keep professional distance to avoid conflicts.
The April Meeting: Allegations of a Quid Pro Quo Deal
A key flashpoint was a meeting on 15 April 2025 at a Durban hotel, where Senona accompanied Matlala to see Mkhwanazi. Senona said he was there for moral support, with the gathering arranged through former Police Minister Bheki Cele. During the talk, Senona alleged Mkhwanazi offered to pause investigations into Matlala in exchange for dirt on Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya.
Senona claimed he rejected the idea outright, calling it inappropriate, but admitted staying silent during parts of the discussion. He said he drank alcohol after hours, which might have clouded some memories, but insisted no wrongdoing occurred on his part. Mkhwanazi has denied these claims, and the meeting’s recording – which Senona says exists – could prove pivotal. This episode underscores how personal alliances might sway official duties, potentially letting suspects off the hook while targeting rivals.
Cocaine Theft Scandal: Senona Admits Security Lapses
Adding to the pressure, Senona faced grilling over a R200 million cocaine theft under his watch. In 2023, 541 kilograms of the drug, seized in a major bust, went missing from a Hawks storage facility in Durban. Senona conceded mistakes in oversight, saying he used his own budget to transport other seized drugs to safer labs in Pretoria after the incident.
He also noted Mkhwanazi helped move items to Cape Town, but denied prior knowledge of a warning memo about storage risks. The theft exposed vulnerabilities in evidence handling, where poor security let insiders or outsiders make off with high-value contraband. For communities battling drug-related crime, this lapse means lost evidence in big cases, allowing networks to thrive and fueling calls for tighter controls on police vaults.
Threatening Messages and Contradictions: Tensions Boil Over
Before testifying, Senona claimed Mkhwanazi sent him what he saw as threatening WhatsApp texts, warning about exposing sensitive info that could endanger lives. One message referenced a recorded meeting and named figures Senona feared mentioning publicly, citing safety risks. The commission chair ruled he must disclose them anyway, finding no solid evidence of danger.
In his evidence, Senona contradicted himself at times, first denying recollections then confirming details like not referring to Mkhwanazi as “brother” in texts. He admitted facing a misconduct charge over the Matlala ties and insisted he followed the law’s spirit, even if shortcuts were taken. These slips have weakened his defence, suggesting evasion out of fear of self-incrimination, while highlighting the high-stakes drama in the inquiry room.
Presidential Crackdown: Broader Probes into Top Cops
This saga ties into a national push for clean policing, with President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering urgent criminal probes into several senior officers, including Senona. Based on the commission’s interim findings, a special task team reports directly to the national commissioner to handle these cases. Recommendations include suspensions to prevent tampering, aiming to root out syndicates infiltrating the justice system.
Other figures like Sibiya face similar scrutiny, with allegations of fraud, corruption, and even murder. For South Africans tired of crime waves, this signals a commitment to accountability, but slow progress in past cases raises doubts. The commission, set up after Mkhwanazi’s bombshell claims in July 2025, probes how criminal networks twisted law enforcement for gain, from evidence tampering to shielding allies.
Impact on KZN Policing: Trust Eroded Amid Ongoing Probes
In KwaZulu-Natal, a hotspot for violent crime and political killings, this infighting erodes trust in the Hawks and police. Senona’s removal leaves a gap in leadership, potentially slowing high-profile investigations into gangs, drugs, and corruption. Communities, especially in rural areas plagued by feuds, need reliable forces to feel safe, but scandals like this breed cynicism.
The fallout could lead to reshuffles, with calls for independent oversight to prevent future lapses. For officers on the ground, it means working under a cloud, while families of crime victims wait longer for justice. As the inquiry wraps up, its full report could trigger sweeping reforms, ensuring top brass serve the public, not personal interests.
Road Ahead: Justice, Reforms, and Healing Divisions
With Senona out and probes intensifying, the focus shifts to fair outcomes. If guilty, he could face charges like abuse of office or leaking secrets, carrying heavy penalties. But if cleared, it might expose vendettas within the ranks. Either way, this case pushes for stronger ethics training, whistleblower protections, and transparent dealings.
For South Africa, healing from such divisions means rebuilding a police service that unites against crime. As details unfold, citizens hope for leaders who prioritise safety over alliances, turning this breaking story into a catalyst for real change. In the end, accountability at the top could restore faith, ensuring no one is above the law.
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