By Johnathan Paoli
KZN Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona has denied allegations that he used his position to help controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala secure state tenders or facilitated any improper business dealings involving his son, Thato Senona, as he continued his testimony before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
Being led in his testimony by senior counsel Adila Hassim, Senona described the relationship as one of personal acquaintance and limited friendship, marked mainly by informal conversations and messages rather than any operational or financial collaboration.
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“I have never used my position or influence to secure any commercial opportunities for my son through Mr Matlala, abused my power as Provincial Head of the DPCI, or benefited Mr Matlala in any way and there is simply no evidence before this commission to suggest otherwise,” Senona told the inquiry.
Senona’s testimony focused heavily on claims that he facilitated Matlala’s business interests, including a R360-million SAPS healthcare contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, and an alleged property venture involving Senona’s son, Thato. He rejected both assertions in unequivocal terms.
Addressing his son’s alleged relationship with Matlala, Senona said he had no financial interest whatsoever in Matlala’s enterprises.
“At the outset, I’d like to state that I have no financial interest in any of Mr Matlala’s business operations; whether it be with my son or any other individual,” he said.
He emphasised that his son, now 33, was an independent adult with his own family and business career.
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“My son is a private citizen who is allowed to conduct (legal) business within this country. His business relations should not and or cannot cast a shadow upon me as a parent and or Provincial Head, especially when such business is above board,” he said.
He explained that he only became aware of the relationship between his son and Matlala after the fact, when Matlala casually asked him in late 2024 whether he knew a “Thato Senona”.
“I confirmed that Thato was my son and inquired how he knew of him. Mr Matlala informed me that my son had approached him with a business proposal related to property ventures,” Senona said.
After confirming this with his son, Senona said he played no role in advancing or facilitating the relationship.
He acknowledged receiving screenshots from Matlala in February 2025 relating to a proposed property purchase in Pretoria, but said his response, namely a prayer emoji and a “thank you”, reflected nothing more than parental support.
“My interest in their property venture did not go beyond that of a supportive parent. I further, in no way, facilitated their business relationship,” he said.
Senona stressed that the venture ultimately collapsed, adding that allegations suggesting otherwise were mere conjecture.
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Turning to the Medicare24 tender, Senona denied any role in securing the contract for Matlala.
“I deny all allegations that I’ve assisted Mr Matlala in securing the Medicare24 tender. Tenders of such a high value fall under the National offices: Supply Chain Management Division,” he said.
He noted that he had no involvement in bid adjudication processes, and also denied receiving any kickbacks.
Senona admitted accompanying Matlala to a meeting with KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in April 2025, saying he did so at Matlala’s request for moral support.
He also confirmed forwarding certain documents and contact details to Matlala, including those of former police minister Bheki Cele, but insisted none of this constituted improper conduct.
Senona said allegations that he had a beneficial relationship with Matlala were baseless and damaging.
“The baseless allegations by Witness X and Lt-Gen Khumalo have caused me significant reputational harm,” he said.
Senona also testified about the theft of 541kg of cocaine, valued at about R200 million, which went missing from a walk-in safe at the DPCI offices in Port Shepstone after being seized in a major drug bust in June 2021.
He told the commission that the drugs were stored there with his approval because no other secure facility was available, and that the burglary appeared to be an inside job, with perpetrators gaining access through a neighbouring hardware store and breaking into the offices.
The commission adjourned proceedings for lunch, with further evidence expected later in the day.
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