by Motshwari Mo Mofokeng
The ongoing dispute between businessman Calvin Mathibeli and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, escalated this week as police conducted another raid on Mathibeli’s residence in connection with a continuing investigation into an alleged tender fraud case in Johannesburg.
Authorities confirmed that they secured search warrants to carry out coordinated raids at multiple properties owned by Mathibeli across four provinces. Investigators confiscated documents, electronic devices, and other items believed to be associated with the contentious tender deal currently under examination.
This latest raid marks a significant escalation in a conflict that has increasingly unfolded in both courtrooms and on social media platforms.
Mathibeli, who runs a security firm, has consistently accused Mkhwanazi of corruption, alleging that the high-ranking police official accepts illegal payments. These allegations have been firmly rejected by the provincial police leadership.
The accusations prompted legal proceedings, with Mkhwanazi seeking relief from the Durban High Court. The court ruled in his favor, mandating Mathibeli to remove online statements, issue a public apology, and pay legal fees.
Nevertheless, Mathibeli has publicly declined to apologize, asserting that he stands by his claims despite the court’s ruling.
Mkhwanazi is represented by Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, who contended in court that the businessman’s remarks were defamatory and harmful to the reputation of the police leadership.
Meanwhile, investigators indicate that the documents seized could be pivotal in establishing whether fraud or irregularities took place in the Johannesburg tender process.
The confrontation between the outspoken businessman and the provincial police chief seems far from resolved, raising concerns about the possibility of further legal disputes — or even criminal charges — in the future.
