KwaZulu-Natal police have moved to set the record straight following reports that the provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Lesetja Senona, was forcibly removed from his office and had his electronic devices confiscated.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service, said claims circulating in the media were misleading and required clarification.
Netshiunda explained that Major General Senona has a dedicated senior manager’s parking bay at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Headquarters, which is available to him at all times. However, on Saturday, 31 January 2026, Senona arrived at the building and parked his vehicle on the street opposite the premises instead of using his allocated parking bay.
“Moments later, he was joined by a Colonel from the Hawks, who left his vehicle and sat with Major General Senona in his car for approximately 45 minutes,” said Netshiunda.
He added that Senona later entered the building with his secretary through the main entrance. On weekends and after normal working hours, all individuals entering the Provincial Headquarters, regardless of rank, are required to sign a security register.
“Major General Senona breached this security protocol by proceeding to his office without signing the register. His secretary signed only for herself, while the Colonel who entered the building also failed to sign,” Netshiunda said.
According to police, the unusual nature of Senona’s presence at the office on a Saturday, his decision to park on the street, the prolonged meeting in his vehicle and the failure to comply with access control procedures raised serious security concerns.
Netshiunda said these concerns were heightened by testimony given by Senona at the Madlanga Commission, where he revealed that he had previously sent police documents to a private individual.
“The security personnel on duty, including those monitoring the camera system, informed the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, of the unusual activities,” he said.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi then instructed security officers to establish what Senona was doing in the office. Netshiunda said Senona chose to leave the premises and attempted to take state-issued computer equipment and documents with him.
“He was requested to leave all state property behind, with the exception of his official cellphone. Major General Senona voluntarily handed over the keys to his office,” Netshiunda said.
The provincial commissioner subsequently informed the Acting National Head of the Hawks of the incident and requested that arrangements be made to collect the office keys left with security management.
Netshiunda stressed that police in KwaZulu-Natal remain focused on their core mandate.
“The SAPS is committed to safeguarding sensitive information and protecting the residents of KwaZulu-Natal and their property. Any internal matters will be dealt with at the appropriate platforms and at the right time,” he said.
