‘No security threats were reported to me’: Senona over R200m cocaine theft | Madlanga Commission

KZN Hawks head, Maj-Gen. Lesetja Senona has rejected claims that he was ever involved in the theft of the drugs at the Hawks’ office in 2021z

Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers

KZN Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona said he was never warned about the security threats at the Port Shepstone Hawks offices before 541 kilograms of cocaine were stored there.

The drugs with an estimated value of R200 million were stolen in 2021.

The commission is probing how the large cocaine haul disappeared and whether internal failures, negligence, or possible misconduct within law enforcement played a role.

Testifying at the Madlanga Commission on Friday, Senona said he only became aware of smaller break-ins at the Port Shepstone offices after the main theft had already happened.

“At no stage were the security concerns at Port Shepstone brought to my attention,” he told the commission, insisting he had no prior knowledge of risks at the facility.

He also pushed back on claims that he failed to complete key documentation linked to the control and handover of safe keys.

Senona said he was not familiar with those procedures and had never dealt with them before.

“These procedures were not within my knowledge and I have never dealt with the same before even in relation to the safe in my office,” he said.

The hearing also revisited serious allegations from Warrant Officer Karl Sander, who accused Senona of removing him from a narcotics unit after seeing him as a threat.

Sander further alleged he was linked to drug syndicates and improperly subjected to polygraph testing, including an investigation involving a stolen coffee machine.

“It is not true,” he said, denying any role in the allegations or any recollection of ordering a polygraph test related to the coffee machine matter.

In his testimony, Sander broke down in tears at the commission after evidence surfaced that appeared to clear him of wrongdoing, which he said was based on false accusations.

Senona has also denied any involvement in the cocaine theft. The inquiry continues.