KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Lesetja Senona has come under sharp scrutiny from commissioners at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry over his relationship with controversial tender businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Senona appeared before the commission on Wednesday, where he was questioned extensively about his interactions with Matlala, who is facing criminal charges and is linked to the multi billion rand Tembisa Hospital scandal.
Questioned Relationship With Tender Don
During his testimony, Senona sought to convince the commission that he was unaware Matlala was under investigation by both the Special Investigating Unit and the Hawks at the time of their association. However, commissioners appeared unconvinced by this explanation.
Senona claimed that he had begun distancing himself from Matlala after becoming aware of allegations linking him to organised criminal activity. Despite this assertion, evidence presented to the commission appeared to contradict his version of events.
Contradictions In Testimony
Senona confirmed that on 5 March 2025 he sent Matlala a News24 article detailing Matlala’s alleged links to the Tembisa Hospital extraction syndicate, which was exposed by murdered whistleblower Babita Deokaran.
Despite claiming he was attempting to sever ties, Senona later accompanied Matlala to a meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The meeting reportedly took place a month after the article was shared.
Evidence leader Adila Hassim questioned how Senona’s presence at the meeting aligned with his claim of withdrawing from Matlala. Senona denied that he was assisting the businessman, stating that accompanying someone to a meeting did not amount to offering support.
Testimony Continues
The commission continued to probe inconsistencies in Senona’s account, with commissioners expressing concern over the nature and extent of his association with Matlala. Senona’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission is ongoing.
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