Mapaballo Borotho

- Lesetja Senona has denied leaking sensitive state information to Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission.
- He dismissed claims of a close relationship with Matlala and said allegations linking him to the Big 5 cartel are malicious.
- Matlala and Katiso Molefe have been named by General Dumisane Khumalo as key figures in the alleged criminal network.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks boss Lesetja Senona has denied allegations that he leaked sensitive state information to controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Senona is giving his testimony at the Madlanga Commission, where he has been implicated by several witnesses regarding his relationship with Matlala.
He has also been accused of having a very close relationship with the alleged underworld kingpin, which allegedly benefited Matlala, allegations Senona has labelled as malicious.
He told the commissioners that he does not know about a Big 5 cartel that engages in drugs and human trafficking, among other crimes.
Matlala and Katiso Molefe are linked to the alleged Big 5 cartel that reportedly operates in Gauteng. This is according to suspended Crime Intelligence head General Dumisane Khumalo, who testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry last year.
Khumalo described the Big 5 as a sophisticated criminal organisation consisting of five main individuals with deep influence across various illicit activities, identifying Katiso and Matlala as key figures.
In his 2025 testimony that had everyone glued to TV screens, Cat Matlala likened Senona to his “big brother”.
Senona explained that he met Matlala in 2019 in Pretoria at his traditional wedding. He was introduced to him by a relative of his wife, who was in love with Matlala at the time.
He further explained that his wife and Matlala share the same surname, refusing to reveal whether they are related or not.
Proceedings continue in Pretoria.
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