Durban – The KwaZulu-Natal High Court has granted an urgent interim interdict protecting Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi after businessman Calvin Mojalefa Mathibeli allegedly accused him of corruption, abuse of police authority, and involvement in unlawful killings.
The allegations were made on social media and during a television interview.
The court found the statements to be defamatory, unsubstantiated and harmful to Mkhwanazi’s reputation and public confidence in the police service, according to IOL.
Mathibeli, who admitted making the comments, argued they were true and in the public interest, but failed to provide factual evidence, the report said.
The court held that the continued online circulation of the remarks constituted ongoing harm, justifying urgent relief.
In addition to prohibiting further publication of the allegations, the court ordered Mathibeli to remove the statements from digital platforms within 24 hours, issue public retractions on the same media channels used to make the claims, and pay Mkhwanazi’s legal costs, EWN reported.
Mkhwanazi must also institute a damages action within 60 days.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
