KZN Security Boss Appeals Defamation Ruling Against Police Commissioner

Durban – KwaZulu-Natal security boss Calvin Mojalefa Mathibeli is appealing a Durban High Court interdict order preventing him from making further defamatory statements against KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Mathibeli filed a notice to appeal the ruling on Saturday, February 28, 2026, following a court decision made on Friday.

Background to the Dispute

The legal battle stems from accusations Mathibeli made against General Mkhwanazi on social media and during an interview with Newzroom Afrika. Mathibeli alleged that Mkhwanazi was planning to kill him, acted as an intermediary (“ice boy”) for individuals targeting him, ordered killings, and prioritized securing mortuary space for police operations Sunday Independent.

Mkhwanazi’s Response and Court Ruling

In response, Mkhwanazi filed an urgent High Court application seeking a gag order. He argued that Mathibeli’s statements damaged his reputation, tarnished the image of the police force, and eroded public confidence in the KZN police African News Agency.

Judge Sanele Hlatshwayo ruled in favor of Mkhwanazi, finding Mathibeli’s statements defamatory and extremely damaging. The judge noted that Mathibeli failed to provide evidence supporting his claims that Mkhwanazi was a corrupt criminal official Sunday Independent.

Terms of the Court Order

The court order directs Mathibeli to:

• Retract, delete, and remove all defamatory publications concerning Mkhwanazi on social media, websites, and digital media within 24 hours.
• Publicly retract the statements on the same platforms where they were originally published, or through TV or radio interviews.
• Face a potential action for damages allegedly suffered by Lt-General Mkhwanazi, to be instituted within 60 days.
• Pay the costs of the application, including legal fees.

Mathibeli’s Defense

In an affidavit to the High Court, Mathibeli maintained that his statements were substantially true and in the public interest, given Mkhwanazi’s position as a public official African News Agency. He as well argued that some statements were not directly aimed at Mkhwanazi as his name wasn’t explicitly mentioned in certain posts.

Previous Allegations

Prior to the court interdict, Mathibeli publicly accused Mkhwanazi of attempting to have him killed and alleged police misconduct IOL. He claimed police in KZN were being used for personal gain by certain individuals.

As of the time of publication, a response from KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda was not available Sunday Independent.