Report dated May 6, 2026 states that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is headed by retired Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has formally postponed the planned reappearance of suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks leader Major-General Lesetja Senona until June 1, 2026. This decision was made in accordance with the report mentioned above. The judgement was made after a stressful morning in which the Commission’s tolerance looked to be wearing thin due to what it characterised as “repeated procedural challenges” and schedule issues that were raised by Senona’s legal team.
Justice Madlanga issued a direct warning to the General, indicating that the Commission is fully prepared to issue a formal subpoena to force his presence if he does not appear on the revised date. This warning was directed at the General, who is still in a difficult situation.
Obstacles to the Giving of Testimony
It was anticipated that Senona will return to the stand this week in order to meet with more interrogation about his association with Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, a businessman who is said to be the boss of the “Big 5” cartel. On the other hand, his legal counsel contended that the General is now “tied up” in a separate internal disciplinary process in addition to other legal actions.
Investigations are being conducted by the Commission into two significant scandals that are connected to Senona’s tenure:
Allegations that Senona enabled state information leaks in order to assist Matlala in securing lucrative police contracts are included in the R360 Million South African Police Service Tender.
The R200 Million Cocaine “Heist”: New information was produced by General Hendrik Frans Flynn about the loss of 541 kilograms of cocaine that had been taken from a facility in Port Shepstone in 2021. According to reports, Senona was in custody of the keys to the facility.
The term “Escorted Out” or “Suspended”
A further element of intrigue has been added to Senona’s situation as a result of the delay. Senona was famously dragged out of his Durban office in February 2026 on the directions of Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. This occurred despite the fact that the Hawks had formally denied that they have been suspended after a formal investigation. Senona maintained that he is being targeted for his prior testimony before the Commission, despite the fact that the police claimed “security protocol breaches” as the reason for their investigation when Senona reportedly entered the facility on a weekend without signing the register.
The Reasons Why the New Deadline Is June 1
The transfer of Justice Madlanga to the first of June is being referred to as a “final grace period.” Evidence Leaders have characterised Senona’s connection with Matlala as “irregular and highly compromising.” Additionally, the Commission has previously rejected Senona’s earlier explanations of his relationships with Matlala.
The Commission is making it quite obvious that the period of “voluntary cooperation” has come to an end by indicating that a subpoena will be issued. Senona will most likely be required to explain his participation in some of the most severe violations of integrity in the history of the KZN Hawks on June 1, which will likely be a day of reckoning for him.
The Madlanga Commission is getting closer and closer to identifying a significant source of corruption inside the South African Police Service (SAPS). Is significant-General Senona a victim of internal police politics?
