Senona’s choice of storage facility in Port Shepstone to store seized drugs questioned

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head General Lesetja Senona

Questions have been raised as to why KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Head General Lesetja Senona chose a storage facility in Port Shepstone to store drugs that were seized in a police operation.

In November 2021, drugs were stolen at the storage facility, months after Senona assumed the position of Hawks Head in the province.

Furthermore, evidence presented before the Madlanga Commission has also shown that there were reports of other break-ins at the facility dating back to 2011.

Commissioner Sandile Khumalo asked Senona why he did not inquire about the storage facility.

“Now we are seeing that in 2011, 2018, 2020, twice, 2021, twice, there were these incidents. Did you not inquire about the facility before you took the decision that the drugs should be stored there?”

“It never crossed my mind, I didn’t, Commissioner,” replies Senona.

MADLANGA COMMISSION | Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona says he approved storing seized drugs at a Hawks office due to lack of space at police stations and the forensic lab, calling it a practice from “before my time.” pic.twitter.com/Q8rx1B8J4j

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 29, 2026