KZN Hawks head Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona has defended his relationship with the alleged tender tycoon Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, rejecting claims that personal ties were leveraged to advance lucrative state contracts or benefit his son, Thato Senona.
Testifying before the Madlanga Commission on Tuesday, Senona sought to draw a sharp line between acquaintance and influence, insisting that his interactions with Matlala were social, limited and entirely removed from his official role as provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
Senona is accused of abusing his senior position to assist Matlala to secure government tenders, including a R360-million SAPS healthcare contract awarded to Matlala’s company, Medicare24, and a separate property venture allegedly involving Senona’s son.
Senona dismissed the accusations as unfounded and unsupported by evidence.
“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 denied having any financial interest, direct or indirect, in Matlala’s businesses.
“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,” he said.
Senona repeatedly stressed that his 33-year-old son was an independent adult, a family man and a private citizen entitled to conduct business lawfully.
“My son is not an extension of me,” he said.
“His business dealings cannot and should not be imputed to me as a parent or as Provincial Head of the DPCI, particularly where such business is above board.”
He told the commission that he only became aware of any interaction between Thato Senona and Matlala in late 2024, when Matlala casually asked whether he knew a “Thato Senona”.
“After I confirmed he was my son, Mr Matlala indicated that Thato had approached him with a business proposal related to property,” Senona testified.
He said he later confirmed this with his son but played no role in facilitating or advancing the relationship.
Senona acknowledged receiving screenshots from Matlala in February 2025 relating to a proposed property purchase in Pretoria, but said his response, an emoji with a “thanks” message, reflected nothing more than parental goodwill.
“My interest did not go beyond that of a supportive parent,” he said, adding that the venture later collapsed.
Under questioning about his personal relationship with Matlala, Senona conceded that the two had formed a close bond after meeting at Senona’s traditional wedding in 2019 and that Matlala later attended his own traditional wedding.
He described the relationship as “brotherly” but maintained it never crossed into professional or operational matters.
Senona is expected to continue his testimony when the commission resumes on Wednesday.
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