WhatsApp messages with Matlala get KZN Hawks head in 'trouble'

KWA-ZULU Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona, has conceded that the documents before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have placed him ‘in trouble’. 

He faced tough questions from commissioners over his relationship with alleged crime mastermind Vusimuzi "Cat" Matlala. 

The exchange of WhatsApp chats between him and Matlala came under scrutiny on Thursday. The chats are central to allegations of improper ties between Senona and Matlala.

Senona was asked about a WhatsApp message received from Matlala on the eve of their meeting with KwaZulu-Natal SAPS commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on April 15, 2025.

The meeting, allegedly organised by former Police Minister Bheki Cele, was to discuss Matlala's R360 million medical service contract with SAPS Pretoria College through his company Medicare 24.

Matlala was experiencing difficulties receiving purchase orders and sought Mkhwanazi's assistance, according to Senona's testimony.

A WhatsApp message from Matlala to Senona on April 14 last year, reading "please don't forget to ask our brother about that lady stirring problems", drew scrutiny. 

Commissioners pressed Senona to identify the "brother" and "lady" referenced, and explain the nature of the problems she was allegedly causing.

Senona suggested the message likely pertained to Matlala's tender issues, speculating the "lady" might be Lieutenant-General Lineo Nkhuoa, acting Deputy National Commissioner for Human Resource Management. 

Senona claimed he could not recall who the "brother" referred to in the message was, saying he was racking his brain to remember. 

"I'm trying my level best to think who the brother was... I'm trying to think of ways to assist the commission," he said

Co-commissioner Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC sharply rebuked Senona, saying: “At this moment you are not assisting the commission. And you are leaving me… with the impression that you are evasive. You choose not to answer questions that you fear might get you into trouble.” 

In response, Senona said: “I am not evasive. The issue that I am afraid I will be in trouble; I am already in trouble. I indicated to you commissioners that with these documents of the commission I am already in trouble. So, I can't fear to disclose what I recall and be afraid that there will be trouble. I am already in trouble.”

When asked if "the brother" referred to Mkhwanazi, he replied, "No."

He defended his close proximity to Matlala, saying: "Commissioners I hear I am being told about my position (as a police officer). I am going to say this. In terms of my position, if they give me a warrant of arrest and say go and arrest Mr Matlala I will gladly do it without any difficulty."

Cape Times