The legal dispute between Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and businessman Calvin Mathibeli has now been resolved.
Mathibeli has deleted all defamatory social media posts and confirmed that he will refrain from making similar allegations against Mkhwanazi in future.
The matter, which unfolded in the Durban High Court, ended in defeat for Mathibeli after the court ruled against him and compelled compliance with its orders.
Mathibeli, who owns Calvin and Family Security Services in Durban North and is linked to the ANC, had made serious allegations against Mkhwanazi. These included claims that the provincial police commissioner was plotting to kill him, receiving money from taxi operators in KwaZulu-Natal, and working with criminal elements to maintain his position.
The businessman had also approached the court in a last-minute attempt to block the South African Police Service from entering his company premises.
However, the court dismissed the application, finding that it lacked urgency. The judge further ordered Mathibeli to pay legal costs.
This ruling cleared the way for SAPS to proceed with a full firearms compliance inspection at the company under Operation Buyisa.
The operation forms part of a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal firearms and non-compliant security companies.
Police confirmed that the inspection would proceed under constitutional authority, including provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
Operation Buyisa has emerged as one of SAPS’s most aggressive interventions against rising gun violence, with officers deployed across multiple provinces to seize illegal weapons and enforce compliance.
Authorities have warned that private security companies are now under heightened scrutiny.
Any company found to be operating outside the law faces serious consequences, including the confiscation of firearms and possible criminal charges.
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said the operation is aimed at curbing the spread of illegal firearms and strengthening control over licensed weapons.
He emphasised that inspections will continue nationwide as law enforcement intensifies efforts to restore order and reduce gun-related crime.
The failed court bid has placed Mathibeli and his company firmly in the spotlight as police move forward with enforcement actions.