Durban High Court Dismisses Businessman’s Bid to Block SAPS Firearms Inspection
The Durban High Court has dismissed businessman Calvin Mathibeli’s urgent application to interdict the South African Police Service (SAPS) from conducting a firearms compliance inspection at his company premises, Calvin and Family Security Services, in Durban North. The ruling, handed down on March 17, 2026, clears the way for authorities to proceed under Operation Buyisa.
Court Finds Application Lacked Urgency
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi, the court found that Mathibeli’s application lacked urgency and dismissed it with costs. He was also ordered to pay legal costs to SAPS. eNCA News reported the decision on March 19, 2026.
Operation Buyisa to Proceed as Planned
Mukhathi stated that members of Operation Buyisa will proceed with the planned inspection on March 19, 2026, as mandated by the Constitution and in terms of Section 109 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. News24 confirmed this.
Nationwide Initiative to Combat Illegal Firearms
Operation Buyisa is a SAPS initiative aimed at removing illegal firearms from circulation and preventing non-compliance by security companies and firearms dealers. The operation is being conducted across multiple provinces to track down and confiscate firearms from companies operating outside the law, including illegal firearms. IOL News detailed the scope of the operation.
Previous Legal Dispute with KZN Police Commissioner
This ruling represents a second legal setback for Mathibeli. In February 2026, he was ordered to apologize and retract allegations that KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi was “a criminal or corrupt” and involved in illegal killings. eNCA News reported that this order followed an urgent application brought by Mkhwanazi after Mathibeli accused him of harassment and illegal raids.
Allegations of Bullying and Assassination Plot
Mathibeli has continued to accuse Mkhwanazi of bullying and alleged a plot to have him assassinated, according to IOL News. He claims law enforcement officers arrived at his home heavily armed and that he received a warning of a planned assassination.
Police Response to Allegations
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda dismissed Mathibeli’s claims as an “obsession” with police in the province. Netshiunda stated that the raid was a head office operation and that police would investigate Mathibeli’s business dealings, including a Gauteng Department of Health tender he reportedly benefited from. IOL News provided details of this response.