Senona denies knowledge of Matlala’s alleged criminal activities

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, Major-General Lesetja Senona.

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona has denied any knowledge of alleged criminal activities linked to underworld figure Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

Testifying before the Madlanga Commission, Senona says he met Matlala around 2019 and maintains that he was unaware that his associate was the subject of any investigation at the time.

He told the Commission that he only became aware of Matlala’s alleged criminal conduct after his arrest on a charge of attempted murder.

The Commission is probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference within South Africa’s law enforcement agencies and the justice system.

MADLANGA COMMISSION | Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona insists he cut ties with Vusi “Cat” Matlala, saying he never contacted him, visited him in prison, or attended his bail application. pic.twitter.com/aRlckUP8bL

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 28, 2026

MADLANGA COMMISSION | Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona insists he had no knowledge of Vusimuzi “CAT’ Matlala’s alleged involvement in the Tembisa hospital fraud case. pic.twitter.com/paX11nGvZx

— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 28, 2026