‘Valuable Lesson for Loose-Tongued Individuals’: Mkhwanazi Wins Another Court Battle

Businessman Calvin Mathibeli has been dealt a blow after his application for leave to appeal a previous judgment, which gave him 24 hours to remove all defamatory posts he made about KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi , was dismissed.

The Durban High Court handed down judgment on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, dismissing Mathibeli’s leave to appeal and ordering punitive costs.

The Original Judgment

Mathibeli had sought to appeal the 27 February 2026 judgment, which ordered him to:

• Remove all defamatory posts about Mkhwanazi on social media, websites, and other digital platforms within 24 hours

• Pay all legal costs

• Refrain from repeating the false accusations

The Police Response

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the defamatory, “character-assassinating allegations” made by Mathibeli had the potential to tarnish the image of both Mkhwanazi and the entire police service in KZN.

Mkhwanazi’s Response

Mkhwanazi welcomed the judgment, calling it a valuable lesson for “loose-tongued individuals” who recklessly defame others without proof.

“This victory is for law-abiding South Africans who denounce criminality and aspire for a crime-free South Africa. Anyone can be challenged, but defaming a person should not be part of the debate.”

“The law is for us all, and everyone has Constitutional rights which must be respected at all times.”

The Background

Mathibeli, who has been at loggerheads with Mkhwanazi, has on numerous occasions publicly accused the KZN top cop of corruption and of involvement in criminal activity.

In a social media post on 16 February 2026 , a Facebook account with the chairman of Calvin and Family Group’s name posted a statement with several allegations, including intimidation, a murder plot against him, and corrupt dealings within the KZN SAPS.

At the time, Netshiunda said the social media post was “malicious, baseless, unfounded and somewhat threatening.”

The Bottom Line

Mathibeli tried to appeal. The court said no.

His posts are gone. The costs are his. And Mkhwanazi says the law is for everyoneincluding those who think they can defame without consequence.