KZN Police Chiefs in Public Spat After Commissioner Ousts Hawks Head
A public fallout between KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and provincial Hawks head Maj-Gen Lesetja Senona has exposed a dramatic rift within the province's police leadership.
The conflict escalated after Mkhwanazi released a statement detailing his reasons for removing Senona from his office on Saturday, accusing him of breaching protocol by visiting on a weekend and failing to sign the register.
The public spat between the two senior SAPS officials has raised concerns about reputational damage to the SAPS and its ability to effectively fight crime.
Criminal expert Professor Rudolph Zinn described the incident as "petty politics" and a power play within the police's top ranks. He warned that such infighting could affect police strategies and undermine public trust.
According to police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda, Senona's unusual behavior on Saturday, including parking outside the building, meeting with another colonel in his car, and failing to sign the register, raised security concerns. Mkhwanazi's office instructed security personnel to question Senona, who then chose to leave, allegedly attempting to take a state computer and documents with him.
Senona's lawyer, Rudolph Baloyi, stated that his client was escorted out of the building by several officers and told never to return. He also claimed that Senona was followed by several cars, some appearing to be from the SAPS provincial office.
Baloyi said the Hawks' national office was unaware of Mkhwanazi's order.
The incident comes as Senona faces a misconduct charge and an intended transfer, stemming from allegations presented to the Madlanga commission, which is probing criminality, political interference, and corruption within the criminal justice system. Senona is accused of sharing sensitive information with alleged criminal cartel member Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, allegations he denies. The commission has recommended the matter be referred to the police for investigation.
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