Hawks commander Senona denies knowledge of security risks

The head of the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, Major-General Lesetja Senona, testified on Friday, June 19, 2026, that he had no prior knowledge of security risks at a Port Shepstone facility where 541 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately R200 million, were stolen in November 2021. Appearing before the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating the theft and potential law enforcement failures, Senona rejected a series of allegations made by two of his suspended colleagues.

Senona stated he was never warned about security concerns, including previous smaller break-ins, at the Port Shepstone offices before the massive cocaine haul disappeared. He also denied any involvement in the theft itself and pushed back on claims that he failed to complete key documentation related to safe keys, stating those procedures were outside his knowledge.

His testimony served as a direct rebuttal to earlier evidence from suspended Provincial Commander Brigadier Campbell Nyuswa and Warrant Officer Karl Sander. Nyuswa had testified that Senona possessed both the original and spare keys to the strongroom where the cocaine was stored. Nyuswa also expressed deep skepticism that thieves used grinding...