General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi Files Interdict Against Businessman Calvin Mathibeli

• The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has taken legal action against businessman Calvin Mathibeli
• Mkhwanazi accused Mathibeli of making false and defamatory statements about him in public and applied for the court to prevent him from repeating the claims
• The court hearing is scheduled for February 24, 2026, to address the case

With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News’ Deputy Head of the Current Affairs desk in South Africa, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, commissions of inquiry, and high-profile cases at Daily Sun.

DURBAN, KWAZULU-NATAL — KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has filed court papers against businessman Calvin Mathibeli for statements he made against him. He accused Mathibeli of defamation of character.

According to MDN News, Mkhwanazi filed the papers at the High Court in Durban on 19 February after Mathibeli accused Mkhwanazi of being a corrupt criminal captured by private interests or involved in unlawful killings. The statements came after the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly raided Mathibeli's office premises on 13 February 2026.

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Mathibeli makes accusations against Mkhwanazi

Mathibeli further posted a letter alleging that Mkhwanazi wants him dead and was locked in a seven-year battle with him. He also accused Mkhwanazi of being a rogue police officer taking protection fees from taxi owners in the province. Mkhwanazi is demanding that Mathibeli retract his statements publicly on TV and radio platforms where the allegations were made within 24 hours. He also said that he would pursue damages; the matter will be heard on 24 February 2026.

Read the tweet on X here:

Who is Calvin Mathibeli?

Mathibeli is the founder of Calvin and Family group, who gained internet attention in 2022 after he assisted former University of KwaZulu-Natal student Dumisani Ngobese. Ngobese went viral for his emotional reaction during his graduation. Mathibeli offered him a job and volunteered to pay for his honours degree studies.

Recently, Mathibeli accused Mkhwanazi of harassment and intimidation following the incident in which members of the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service allegedly held his staff hostage during the raid. He filed a lawsuit against the police. The police denied the allegations Mathibeli made. The police added that Mathibeli's business dealings are under investigation. Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu distanced himself from Mathibeli after images of him posing with Mathibeli went viral on social media. He said he barely knew Mathibeli.

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Mkhwanazi praised for addressing KZN Hawks

In another article, Briefly News reported that Mkhwanazi received praise after he addressed members of the Hawks in KwaZulu-Natal on 16 February 2026. His address focused on the uncertainty surrounding Hawks boss General Lesetja Senona, who was evicted from his offices after his testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

Mkhwanazi told the Hawks officers that his door was open and invited them to have open conversations with him about how criminals can be stopped in the province. He also cautioned them to be wary of colleagues who seem to live beyond what their salaries could afford them.

Source: Briefly News