news
Durban – KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has secured an urgent High Court interdict against businessman Calvin Mathibeli. The Durban High Court has ordered Mathibeli to retract and apologize for statements alleging or implying that Mkhwanazi is corrupt, a criminal, or abuses police authority.
Legal Action Follows Public Accusations
The legal action stems from a Facebook post made by Mathibeli, owner of Calvin and Family Security Services, which was widely shared. In the post, Mathibeli accused Mkhwanazi and the KZN police of being influenced by competitors. He too alleged that Mkhwanazi instructed that he be shot and killed.
Mkhwanazi characterized Mathibeli’s statements as personal attacks questioning his integrity and labeling him a criminal – accusations he strongly denied. The interdict follows a recent police operation conducted at Mathibeli’s business premises in Durban.
Further Claims and Reserved Judgement
Mathibeli further claimed Mkhwanazi was an “ice boy” to taxi and security company owners. Although the urgent interdict has been granted, judgment on the broader damages case has been reserved, meaning a decision on financial compensation for Mkhwanazi is pending.
A possible next step is for Mathibeli to comply with the court order by retracting his statements and issuing an apology. Failure to do so could result in further legal consequences. The reserved judgment on damages suggests that Mkhwanazi is also seeking financial redress for the harm caused by the allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the High Court order Calvin Mathibeli to do?
The Durban High Court ordered Mathibeli to retract and apologize for any statements alleging or implying that Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is corrupt, a criminal, or abuses police authority.
What prompted Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to take legal action?
Mkhwanazi took legal action in response to a Facebook post by Mathibeli that contained accusations against him and the KZN police, including an allegation that Mkhwanazi had instructed that Mathibeli be killed.
What is the status of the damages case?
Judgment on the broader damages case has been reserved, meaning a decision on financial compensation for Mkhwanazi is still pending.
How might this case influence the relationship between private security firms and law enforcement in KwaZulu-Natal?
