Texts Show No Intent to Cut Relations
By Thabo Mosia
Pretoria –
A top police official has come clean about his close personal bond with a controversial businessman, admitting to frequent meetings and friendly chats that show no sign of him wanting to end the relationship, during a heated session at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Major-General Lesetja Senona, head of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal, faced tough questions about his ties to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman linked to corruption claims
. Senona confirmed their “close personal relationship,” saying they met often and communicated in a friendly manner.
When taken through most of the texts, the messages suggested nonintention of terminating his relation with Cat Matlala, raising eyebrows about why a senior cop would stay so chummy with someone under scrutiny.
This admission has deepened worries about possible improper dealings in the police force, leaving everyday South Africans wondering if those meant to fight crime are too close to the wrong people.
As families hit by violence wait for justice, Senona’s words highlight the human struggles and tough choices in a job where personal links can cloud judgment.
Senona’s Testimony: Close Bonds and Frequent Meetings
Senona did not shy away from describing his connection with Matlala as a “close personal relationship.”
He told the commission they met frequently, often sharing updates on various matters.
When evidence leaders took him through a series of text messages, the chats painted a picture of ongoing friendly communication, with no hints that Senona planned to cut ties.
Instead, the texts showed a level of trust and ease that surprised many, especially since Matlala faces questions over alleged payoffs and tender fixes.
Senona explained that their talks started in 2020 through a police contact and stayed casual, focused on gathering crime tips.
But the friendly tone in the messages suggested more – like family links, where Senona admitted his wife shares a surname with Matlala.
He clarified she has no direct relation, but Matlala dated a relative of his wife, adding a personal layer to their bond.
When pressed on why he did not ask about certain shared documents or end the chats amid probes, Senona stood firm, saying he saw no reason to stop as long as it helped his work.
For someone trying to understand this, imagine a cop staying friends with someone under the spotlight – it might help get info, but it risks looking like favouritism if lines blur.
Senona’s refusal to answer some questions about his wife’s possible ties only fueled doubts, leaving the commission to dig deeper for clarity.
Denials Amid Accusations: No Favours for Matlala or Family
Senona strongly denied using his position to help Matlala or his own family.
He rejected claims that he helped the businessman secure a multi-million rand SAPS tender, saying their talks never crossed into improper favours.
When asked about a R30,000 payment from Matlala to his son Thato, Senona called it a repaid loan for school fees, not a bribe.
He also hit back at accusations from Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, saying threatening messages came his way after sharing details of meetings.
Senona claimed Mkhwanazi offered to halt probes into Matlala for dirt on rivals like former Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya.
These back-and-forth claims show deep rifts in police leadership, where personal beefs might slow down real crime-fighting.
Senona criticised a secret witness’s testimony, calling words like “seemingly” and “presumably” too vague to trust. He said such loose claims undermine the inquiry, urging focus on hard facts.
This defence paints Senona as a straight shooter, but the friendly texts with Matlala suggest a relation that went beyond work, raising red flags for those watching the commission.
The Madlanga Commission: Probing Ties and Corruption
The Madlanga Commission, set up to investigate the 2017 murder of ANC councillor Sindiso Magaqa and over 100 related political killings in KwaZulu-Natal, has uncovered potential syndicates within the police.
Testimonies point to a “Big Five” cartel influencing tenders and probes, with Matlala allegedly paying Sibiya up to R1 million monthly for protection.
Senona’s session is part of this wider look, where leaders like suspended Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya face claims of removing dockets and taking payoffs.
Witnesses have shared recordings of pressure to lie, and Senona’s admissions add fuel, showing how personal relationships might compromise duty.
The commission, led by retired judge Dikgang Moseneke, aims for reforms to clean up SAPS, ensuring officers serve justice, not hidden agendas.
Broader Fallout: Trust Issues and Calls for Change
This crisis shakes public faith in policing, especially in KZN where violence is common.
If ties like Senona’s to Matlala are too cosy, it questions if crimes get solved fairly. Civil groups demand independent checks and transparency to rebuild trust.
Sibiya’s suspension over similar claims shows high stakes. As more details emerge, like Matlala’s alleged CIA links, it fuels suspicions of widespread rot.
Families of killing victims wait years for answers, hoping the commission leads to accountability.
In a nation with high crime, this highlights the need for ethical leaders. Senona’s admissions remind us that personal bonds can cloud judgment, calling for stricter rules on officer relationships.
South Africans hope for a SAPS free from such ties, focused on safety for all.
Looking Ahead: More Testimonies and Potential Reforms
As the Madlanga Commission continues, Mkhwanazi’s recall could bring more clashes. Senona’s session wrapped with him denying favours, but Hassim’s questions left room for doubt. The inquiry aims to wrap by mid-2026, with a report that could spark overhauls like anti-corruption units.
For communities, this means hoping for change that makes streets safer.
Senona’s story shows the human side of policing – tough choices in a job full of pressures. As proceedings unfold, the nation watches for truths that heal wounds and prevent new ones.
This latest twist reminds everyone that no one is above scrutiny, even those sworn to protect.
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