By Johnathan Paoli
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona told the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday that he has a close, long-running relationship with attempted murder accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, but insisted it was strictly social and never benefited Matlala professionally.
He said he forwarded the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) disbandment letter to Matlala because it was already circulating publicly, not out of malice.
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He also said the alleged underworld figure never benefitted from their relationship in any professional way.
“At the outset, I submit that the allegations are malicious, void of truth and amount to conjecture. I deny having leaked any confidential information or using my position as provincial head for the benefit of Mr Matlala or the so-called Big Five cartel,” he said.
Senona was appearing before the commission amid allegations that he leaked sensitive police information to Matlala and improperly used his office to benefit members of the alleged Big Five organised crime network.
When asked about the alleged crime network, he said: “The Big Five that I know is an elephant, a lion, a buffalo, a rhinoceros and a leopard. Those are the Big Five that I know.”
Senona told the commission that he first met Matlala at his (Senona’s) traditional wedding in Mamelodi in 2019.
“I was introduced to him through a relative of my wife. He was introduced to me as the owner of CAT VIP Protection Services. I took a liking to him and we exchanged numbers,” he said.
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Commission chairman, retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, asked Senona what it was about Matlala that he liked. He was “humble”, Senona responded.
“Our meetings were purely social in nature. Since the beginning of my tenure at DPCI-KZN, Mr Matlala has never been a subject of investigation within the directorate. His name has never been mentioned at any national or provincial management forum,” Senona said.
Senona said that while his wife and Matlala shared the same surname, he was reluctant to confirm whether they were related. Answering that question could lead to “strife” or “animosity” at his home, he said.
Under pressure from commissioners, he said they may not be related at all, adding that Matlala had been dating a relative of his wife and that the shared surname could be coincidental.
Senona confirmed that he did forward since suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s 31 December 2024 letter disbanding the PKTT to Matlala, but denied any improper motive.
“As is known by the commission, the letter had been leaked as of 1 January 2025. I merely forwarded the letter to Mr Matlala, as it was garnering the attention of many, including myself, on social media. I deny the allegations that I possessed knowledge that Mr Matlala was being investigated by the PKTT. I couldn’t have possibly known that,” he said.
Senona’s testimony continues.
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