KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona ordered to vacate office amid Investigation
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona says he has been asked to vacate his office
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona says he has been asked to vacate his office while an investigation into his conduct is ongoing.
According to an SABC report, Senona said he was instructed by KZN Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to vacate his office during the investigation, and he claimed that some of his work gadgets were seized.
However, the Hawks are said to have confirmed that Senona remains an employee and has not been suspended.
This comes as Senona faces heightened scrutiny following the Madlanga Commission’s interim report, which raised questions about his alleged links to tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and the handling of confidential police documents.
The reports submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa also recommended that Senona, along with several other senior police officials, including Major General Richard Shibiri, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkhwashu, Brigadier Rachel Matjeng, and Sergeant Fannie Nkosi, be investigated and potentially prosecuted for alleged misconduct.
Senona is also accused of abusing his senior position to assist Matlala in securing government tenders, including a R360-million SAPS healthcare contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, as well as a separate property venture allegedly involving Senona’s son.
IOL previously reported that during his appearance at the Madlanga Commission, Senona denied any wrongdoing.
“I have never used my position or influence to secure any commercial opportunities for my son through Mr Matlala, nor have I abused my power or benefited him in any way,” Senona told the commission, adding that no proof had been presented to substantiate the claims," he said.
“I wish to state that I have no financial interest in any of Mr Matlala’s business operations, whether involving my son or any other individual.”
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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