Senona Admits Advising ‘Cat’ Matlala To Challenge SAPS After R360 Million Contract Was Cancelled

KZN Hawks head Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona has admitted that he encouraged controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to pursue a legal challenge after the South African Police Service (SAPS) terminated Matlala’s R360 million contract.

Senona made the concession while testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Wednesday, where he confirmed that he had advised Matlala following the cancellation of a health services contract by National Police Commissioner Gen. Fannie Masemola last year.

The contract was scrapped after SAPS cited irregularities in the procurement process.

The admission came under intense cross-examination by Advocate Adila Hassim, who questioned Senona’s conduct and his close personal relationship with Matlala, an alleged criminal businessman facing multiple accusations.

Madlanga Commission Examines Senona’s Legal Advice to Matlala

Hassim pressed Senona on why a senior law enforcement official would offer advice to someone whose lucrative contract with SAPS had been abruptly terminated.

In response, Senona attempted to draw a distinction between encouraging litigation and suggesting a legal challenge.

“I never urged him to sue. My message talks about challenging the decision to cancel the contract, not sue — through legal means, through a lawyer,” Senona told the commission.

“Because I won’t do it, I can’t do it, and I won’t do it.”

However, under further questioning, the Hawks chief conceded that his conduct was inappropriate.

“It was an error on my side,” he admitted, acknowledging that advising Matlala to take legal action against SAPS was wrong given his senior role within the Hawks.

Questions Over Continued Relationship With Alleged Criminal

The commission also interrogated Senona about his failure to decisively cut ties with Matlala, even after becoming aware that the businessman was facing several criminal allegations.

Senona struggled to explain why communication between them continued for months after these concerns surfaced. “I was gradually moving away from him,” he said, a response that was met with scepticism.

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga challenged Senona’s explanation, suggesting it did not withstand scrutiny and that he appeared to be struggling to justify the ongoing relationship because his version was “untrue”.

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Senona ultimately conceded that the prolonged association was problematic.

“It is a point of concern,” he said, admitting that it had taken him far too long to sever ties with Matlala.

The Hawks chief is expected to continue his three-day testimony before the commission on Thursday.

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