KwaZulu-Natal police have issued a statement addressing claims by Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona that he was removed from his office and had devices confiscated. Senona alleged the actions were ordered by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and that he was followed to his Durban residence. The police countered that Senona breached security protocols by not signing in upon entry.
In a recent statement, KwaZulu-Natal police addressed allegations made by Major-General Lesetja Senona, head of the Hawks in the province. Senona claimed he was forcibly removed from his office at police headquarters and that his devices were seized on the instructions of Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He further stated that after leaving, marked South African Police Service vehicles followed him back to his residence in Durban.
According to the police response, Senona arrived at the headquarters and parked on the street opposite the building, rather than using his designated parking bay inside. He then entered the premises accompanied by his secretary without signing in, as required by security protocols. This behavior prompted concerns among security personnel.
The guards notified Commissioner Mkhwanazi, who directed them to inquire about Senona's presence in the office. Senona subsequently decided to leave but attempted to take a state-issued computer and documents with him. He was instructed to leave state property behind, though he retained his state-issued phone. Mkhwanazi then contacted the Acting National Head of the Hawks to report the incident.
In a letter from his lawyer to the Acting National Head of the Hawks, Senona expressed worries about his personal safety amid these events. The police statement highlights the importance of adhering to entry procedures at secure facilities, framing the episode as a protocol violation rather than targeted harassment.
