Court dismisses Mathibeli’s appeal over defamatory Mkhwanazi posts

The Durban High Court has dismissed an appeal application by controversial businessman Calvin Mathibeli.

The security boss sought to reverse an order for him to remove defamatory posts that he made against KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Last month, the court gave Mathibeli 24 hours to remove the posts about Mkhwanazi on social media.

In them, he alleged mkhwanazi was corrupt and used police in the province to carry out unlawful murders.

KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said, “The defamatory, character-assassinating allegations made by Mr Mathibeli had the potential to tarnish the image of both Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi and the entire police service in KwaZulu-Natal. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has welcomed the judgement, saying that it is a valuable lesson to loose-tongued individuals who recklessly defame others with no proof."