The Hawks have denied claims by KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona that he has been removed from office and had his work devices seized, insisting that he remains an employee of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
Senona has alleged that KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi instructed him to vacate his office in Durban while he is under investigation.
Earlier reports quoted Senona saying he had been “kicked out” of his office and that his electronic gadgets were confiscated on Mkhwanazi’s instruction.
However, the Hawks have moved to clarify that Senona has not been dismissed or suspended, despite the ongoing investigation.
The developments come days after Senona testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria, where he was questioned about allegations linking him to alleged criminal cartel kingpin Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
Senona faced intense scrutiny during his testimony over claims of close associations with Matlala, allegations he has previously denied.