Dramatic Raid: Armed SAPS Unit Storms Durban Security Firm After Court Blow To Owner, Calvin Mathibeli

A Durban North-based security company owned by businessman Calvin Mathibeli became the focus of a high-profile police operation on Thursday after the Durban High Court dismissed his urgent attempt to halt a firearms compliance inspection.

Mathibeli had approached the court seeking to prevent the South African Police Service (SAPS) from carrying out the inspection at his company, Calvin and Family Security Services. The application followed a notice issued on 11 March informing him of the planned inspection set for 19 March as part of Operation Buyisa.

“The court found that Mr Mathibeli’s application lacked urgency and dismissed it with costs. He was ordered to pay legal costs to SAPS,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi.

Armed Officers Descend on Durban North Premises

Following the court’s decision, heavily armed members of SAPS’s Operation Buyisa tactical unit moved swiftly to execute the inspection.

Multiple police vehicles were seen stationed outside the Durban North premises, while armed officers secured the area during the operation. The strong police presence underscored the seriousness of the compliance check.

Mukhathi confirmed that the inspection proceeded on 19 March, stating it was conducted in line with constitutional provisions and Section 109 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

Operation Buyisa Targets Illegal Firearms Nationwide

Operation Buyisa is a nationwide SAPS initiative aimed at tackling the spread of illegal firearms and ensuring compliance within the security industry and among licensed firearm holders.

“As part of SAPS’s priority to curb the proliferation of firearms in the country, members of Operation Buyisa continue to conduct operations across multiple provinces to track down and confiscate firearms from security companies operating outside the ambit of the law, including illegal firearms,” Mukhathi said.

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He added that inspections are being rolled out across the country to ensure that all firearm holders, including private security firms and dealers, comply with regulations.

“In combating gun-related violence, SAPS is intensifying efforts against the proliferation of firearms by conducting licence and compliance inspections at security companies holding firearms,” he said.