Legal War Explodes: Mkhwanazi Drags Calvin Mathibeli To High Court Over ‘Defamatory’ Claims

Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, KwaZulu-Natal’s Police Commissioner, has launched an urgent legal challenge in the Durban High Court against businessman Calvin Mojalefa Mathibeli.

In court documents submitted on 19 February 2026, Mkhwanazi asks the court to declare several statements made about him on social media and in the media as false and defamatory.

He is also seeking an interdict preventing Mathibeli from repeating allegations that he is corrupt, involved in criminal conduct, captured by private interests, or linked to unlawful killings.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Candlelight Vigil Held As Five Miners Remain Trapped Underground At Ekapa Mine

The urgent application is scheduled to be heard on 24 February 2026.

Police Raid Sparks Escalating Dispute Between Mkhwanazi and Mathibeli

The legal action follows a police raid at Mathibeli’s offices on Friday. After the operation, allegations surfaced that personnel from Calvin Security were held hostage by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In response, Mathibeli released a lengthy public letter outlining what he described as a seven-year dispute with KZN SAPS and Mkhwanazi. In the letter, he alleged that the commissioner wanted him dead.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Explosive Showdown: Mkhwanazi Fires Back After Durban Tycoon Accuses Him Of Deadly Plot

Mathibeli went further, accusing Mkhwanazi of being a rogue officer and claiming he collected protection fees from taxi owners in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi Demands Retractions Within 24 Hours, Signals Further Legal Action

In his court papers, Mkhwanazi insists that all posts and statements containing the allegations be removed within 24 hours. He is also calling for public retractions on television and radio platforms where the claims were allegedly broadcast.

The commissioner has indicated that he intends to pursue damages in separate legal proceedings.

He argues that the statements severely damage his reputation and undermine his standing as a senior police official.

Mathibeli has been given the opportunity to oppose the urgent application. He has already filed opposing papers, reportedly in Sandton on Thursday.