A dramatic standoff between KwaZulu-Natal’s top law-enforcement figures erupted at provincial police headquarters in Durban at the weekend, with rival claims flying over whether Hawks boss Major-General Lesetja Senona was forced out of his office or walked out voluntarily. The showdown comes as Senona faces serious allegations of wrongdoing aired during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where he has been implicated in leaking sensitive information to alleged underworld boss Vusumuzi “Cat” Matlala. Senona on Saturday left his Durban offices under controversial circumstances, with his lawyers claiming that he was forced out.
Senona’s lawyer Rudolph Baloyi said a person who identified himself as a police officer on Saturday approached the senior Hawks official at his Durban office and instructed him and his secretary to vacate the premises. Baloyi said Senona was told by a certain Captain Du Plessis that he was instructed to leave his work laptop. “He was also told never to return to the office,” Baloyi alleged.
However, moments later, KZN provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda issued a statement rejecting Baloyi’s version. According to Netshiunda, Senona’s suspicious behaviour at the Durban provincial headquarters prompted police to activate security threat protocols. Senona, Netshiunda said, has a dedicated senior management parking bay inside the provincial headquarters building, which is available to him at all times.
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However, on Saturday, Senona arrived at the building and apparently chose to park on the street opposite the premises instead. The provincial Hawks head was later joined by a colonel from the Hawks, who sat with him in his vehicle for about 45 minutes. According to Netshiunda, the two later entered the building with Senona’s secretary.
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