KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says his urgent court action against businessman Calvin Mathibeli is not about financial gain, despite a R115 million damages figure cited in legal papers.
Speaking outside the Durban High Court, Mkhwanazi addressed questions about the monetary value attached to his interdict application linked to alleged defamatory statements made by Mathibeli.
“We are not here litigating for anything,” he said. “I am sure there are many orphanages that can use that money if he feels his pocket is that big.”
The commissioner stressed that he does not expect to personally benefit financially from the legal process. Instead, he said the primary objective of the court application is to stop what he describes as damaging and unsubstantiated public accusations.
Mkhwanazi has approached the court seeking an interdict to prevent Mathibeli from repeating claims that the commissioner is involved in corruption and unlawful conduct. He maintains the allegations are false and harmful to both his reputation and the integrity of the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal.
The R115 million damages claim, he explained, reflects the seriousness of the allegations rather than a personal desire for compensation. He reiterated that the matter is about principle and accountability, not enrichment.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, particularly on social media, where many users have expressed support for Mkhwanazi’s firm stance. Others have debated the broader implications of public accusations against senior law enforcement officials and the balance between freedom of expression and reputational harm.
Mkhwanazi has become a prominent figure in KwaZulu-Natal’s crime-fighting landscape, often taking a visible role in high-profile operations targeting organised crime and extortion networks.
As the legal battle unfolds, the court will determine whether the interdict is granted and how the matter proceeds. For now, Mkhwanazi insists the issue is about protecting institutional credibility rather than securing financial compensation.
