KZN Hawks Boss Lesetja Senona
By Nkosana Khumalo
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major General Lesetja Senona is set to take the stand today at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, facing serious claims of helping businessman Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala land a controversial R360 million South African Police Service (SAPS) tender. The commission confirmed his appearance in a short statement, with the session kicking off at 10am on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Senona’s testimony comes as the inquiry digs into allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration, and political meddling in the justice system.
Meanwhile, retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who chairs the commission, has named former national Hawks boss Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya as a key witness. This follows evidence from several Hawks members about alleged interference with the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). The hearings at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre in Pretoria have already uncovered explosive details, including leaked chats and property deals, painting a picture of deep ties between top cops and shady business figures. As South Africa watches closely, these revelations could shake up the police service and spark calls for major reforms.
Senona’s Appearance: What to Expect Today
Major General Lesetja Senona steps into the spotlight today, expected to face tough questions on his alleged role in helping Matlala secure the massive SAPS tender. The inquiry starts at 10am, following weeks of dramatic testimonies that have linked Senona to Matlala through WhatsApp messages, financial deals, and claims of protecting criminal interests.
Witnesses have described Senona as a close ally to Matlala, with leaked chats showing discussions on tenders and personal favours. One anonymous witness, known as Witness X, exposed messages where Matlala forwarded confidential documents, including details on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s identity numbers, to Senona. These leaks have raised big red flags about how sensitive info might have been mishandled.
Senona’s son, Thato Senona, has also been dragged in, with evidence suggesting property deals tied to Matlala. Chats presented at the commission show Matlala sharing property photos and discussing transactions with Thato, hinting at a family connection to the businessman’s network. Senona will likely need to explain these links and defend against claims that he used his position to bend rules for personal gain.
The R360m Tender Scandal: How Senona Fits In
At the heart of the allegations against Senona is the R360 million SAPS tender awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, for health services. The deal, part of a larger R1.2 billion contract, was later cancelled by National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola in May 2025 after irregularities came to light. Masemola said the company “should never have passed the initial bidding stage,” pointing to major flaws in the process.
Testimonies claim Senona and other top cops, like Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, took kickbacks from Matlala after each SAPS payment. Witness X detailed how Matlala bragged about paying Sibiya and Senona, using a middleman like Sergeant F. Nkhe to handle transfers. Screenshots from Matlala’s phone, seized during his arrest, allegedly show these payments and chats about protecting him from raids.
The tender is linked to broader corruption at SAPS, with claims that syndicates used it to siphon funds. Matlala, facing charges like conspiracy to commit murder, is seen as a central figure in efforts to infiltrate police operations. Senona’s testimony could clarify if he expedited the deal or ignored red flags, potentially exposing a web of influence reaching high levels.
Lebeya Named Key Witness: Interference in Molefe Arrest
Justice Madlanga has pinpointed former Hawks national head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya as a crucial witness, following testimonies about Hawks’ alleged meddling in the arrest of accused murderer Katiso “KT” Molefe. Hawks officers like Major General Ebrahim Kadwa testified that Lebeya called them on 6 December 2024, instructing them to verify an operation at Molefe’s Sandhurst home after reports of “fake Hawks.”
Kadwa said Lebeya, a seasoned detective, didn’t question the info’s source, leading to a tense standoff that could have turned deadly. Witnesses claim this was an attempt to interfere, with Lebeya deploying teams based on tips from figures like TikToker Malcolm X. Lebeya has denied wrongdoing, but Madlanga wants him to explain the alarm and his role in the chaos.
This ties into wider claims of Hawks protecting connected individuals, including Matlala, who allegedly boasted of ties to Lebeya and others.
The Madlanga Commission: Uncovering Deep-Rooted Issues
Launched to probe criminality, political interference, and corruption in the justice system, the Madlanga Commission stems from Mkhwanazi’s July 2025 accusations that Mchunu disbanded the PKTT to shield criminals. Hearings have revealed shocking details, like SAPS CFO Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane denying briefing Mchunu on PKTT costs, which he cited for the shutdown.
Witnesses have exposed chats showing Matlala leaking sensitive info, including Ramaphosa’s IDs, to Senona. Property deals between Matlala and Thato Senona have also surfaced, suggesting family benefits from these connections.
The commission has heard from anonymous sources and Hawks members, building a case of systemic rot. Matlala’s testimony, postponed from Tuesday due to health claims but rescheduled for today, is expected to add more fireworks.
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