Major-General Lesetja Senona has resigned as head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in KwaZulu-Natal following mounting scrutiny linked to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system.
According to sources close to the matter, Senona stepped down with immediate effect on Friday. The sources further allege that his resignation followed a failed attempt to access his retirement fund, which was reportedly declined.
Senona, who joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1985, spent decades in policing before being appointed to lead the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal in 2020.
During his tenure, he was tasked with tackling organised crime and corruption cases in the province. However, his leadership came under increasing scrutiny following his appearance before the Madlanga Commission.
Earlier this year, Senona faced questioning over alleged links to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, as well as claims connected to the disappearance of 541 kilograms of cocaine from a police storage facility in Port Shepstone in 2021, valued at approximately R200 million.
Senona has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that his interactions with Matlala were personal and rejecting allegations that he shared confidential police information or assisted in any unlawful activity.
He has also denied any involvement in the missing cocaine case, with witnesses raising concerns before the commission about alleged security breaches and irregularities within the Hawks unit under his leadership.
Following testimony and ongoing investigations, Senona was previously suspended pending further inquiry into the allegations.
At the time of publication, the Hawks had not yet responded to a request for comment.
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