The Madlanga Commission has heard that suspended KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head, General Lesetja Senona, has been cleared of charges relating to Esmael Nangy, an alleged kidnapping kingpin.
The South African Police Service, through spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, has also confirmed the matter in a statement.
Senona was one of five police officers who were charged with kidnapping, assault and theft in an internal disciplinary process after Nangy accused them of torture.
Senona shared the news with the commission.
“During lunchtime, commissioners, I received the good news. The disciplinary (hearing) that was instituted against me, I was found not guilty and discharged on all charges. However, I’m worried because always when I leave here, I get either a new disciplinary case investigation or suspension. But I thought I must share this with the commissioners that it was a good decision of mine not going there and coming here.”
Drug theft was not staged
Senona says that he has taken offence at the narrative that the November 2021 Port Shepstone drug theft was staged.
Senona’s comments come after suspended Hawks KZN provincial commander Brigadier Campbell Nyuswa alluded to the possibility that the theft, which resulted in more than 541 kilograms of cocaine being stolen, was staged.
Nyuswa also testified that Senona was in possession of one of the keys to the safe where the drugs were kept.
Senona rejected the version of events, as he explains in the video below:
Senona further testified that he had nothing to do with the November 2021 drug theft.
He also denied claims that as a senior police official, he is close to the people who allegedly stole the drugs, as testified by other witnesses.
Senona has maintained that the drug theft was not staged.
“I wanted to indicate to the commissioners, because now the people of the country believe I stole the drugs, and I didn’t. And I didn’t participate directly or indirectly in the theft of these drugs. And I’m in pain inside, because people came here and testified to the commissioners that they know who. If I were part of the investigation, I know. I can bet with my life that I would have been arrested by now.
Madlanga Commission | Suspended KZN Hawks Head Lesetja Senona testifies:
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