KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has won his court application against businessman Calvin Mathibeli, following allegations that accused him of corruption and orchestrating unlawful killings in the province.
Earlier this week, Mkhwanazi approached the Durban High Court seeking an order compelling Mathibeli to withdraw statements in which he allegedly claimed the commissioner was corrupt and had used members of the police service to carry out unlawful killings.
In its ruling, the court found in favour of Mkhwanazi and ordered Mathibeli to retract the statements using the same media platforms where the allegations were originally made. The judgment effectively requires the businessman to publicly withdraw his claims in a manner equal in reach and prominence to the initial publication.
In addition to ordering the retraction, the court directed Mathibeli to pay Mkhwanazi’s legal costs. The dispute stems from public statements made by Mathibeli in which he allegedly accused the provincial police boss of serious misconduct. Mkhwanazi denied the claims and argued that they were defamatory and damaging to his reputation as head of policing in KwaZulu-Natal.
The ruling marks a significant legal victory for the commissioner, reinforcing his stance that the allegations were unfounded. It also underscores the legal consequences of making public claims that cannot be substantiated in court.
Neither Mkhwanazi nor Mathibeli has yet indicated whether further legal steps will follow. However, the court’s order places a clear obligation on Mathibeli to issue the retraction and settle the commissioner’s legal costs.
The matter has drawn public attention given Mkhwanazi’s high-profile role in leading crime-fighting operations in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that continues to grapple with violent crime and organised criminal activity.
