Police raids and death threats: logistics and security mogul Mathibeli's battle with KZN SAPS intensifies
Logistics and security mogul Calvin Mathibeli is making allegations of harrassment against various units of the South African Police Services including death threats.
Image: File
A PROMINENT logistics and security company owner with operations across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has accused police in the province of harassment, intimidation and unlawful conduct, while the South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismissed the claims and signalled possible legal action.
Businessman Calvin Mathibeli, the founder and chairman of Calvin and Family Group (CFG) which specialises in logistics, security and construction, alleges that members of SAPS, including specialised units like the Political Killings Task Team, have repeatedly targeted his family, employees and business operations. He claims the harassment dates back to 2019 and forms part of an ongoing dispute that has culminated in a R15 million civil lawsuit against SAPS KwaZulu-Natal.
The matter was before court earlier this month, with trial proceedings expected to begin soon.
Alleged December raid and death plot claims
Mathibeli said that on 19 December 2025 he received a warning that police officers had been instructed to kill him. Shortly thereafter, officers from multiple units allegedly surrounded a family residence, pointing firearms at the property and demanding he come outside.
According to his statement, his sister informed officers he no longer lived there. He alleges police then went to his office, where his wife was verbally abused and told officers were monitoring his phone and movements.
In a raw and unfiltered address, the mogul claimed that he was fully aware of a specific plot to kill him under the guise of a shootout.
"I am fully aware of the plans being orchestrated against me... Your attempts to intimidate me and damage my name ahead of my appearance before the Madlanga Commission will not work," he said.
In a veiled rebuke to KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Mathibela said, "The difference between you and me is simple. I work hard for everything I have... You are just a police official who is an ice-boy for taxi and security company owners."
"I have been silent for many years of your bullying, and enough is enough."
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's office has distanced itself from the raids on the business premises of logistics and security mogul Calvin Mathibeli who is suing the police.
Image: File
Mathibeli further claimed officers said they intended arresting him under a specific case number and referenced instructions from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). He maintains he was not in Durban at the time.
He also questioned how taxi operators allegedly learned of the police operation while it was still underway, claiming some circulated messages suggesting preparations to celebrate his death.
Later the same day, officers from Alberton SAPS reportedly arrived at his Gauteng office with what he said was a fraudulent arrest warrant. He stated that court officials later confirmed the warrant did not apply to him and that the suspect in the case was another individual.
February office raid allegations
Mathibeli also described a second incident on 13 February 2026, when police officers allegedly forced entry into his office after refusing to identify themselves.
He claims officers assaulted a security guard, confined female employees in a boardroom, confiscated their phones and halted business operations.
Police later stated they were conducting a firearm inspection, he said, despite a previous inspection in January finding no irregularities.
Mathibeli alleges officers confiscated 14 legally licensed firearms without proper documentation and attempted to pressure employees to disclose where his children attend school. He further claims one employee was detained for 24 hours and released without charge, while another was charged with possession of unlicensed firearms.
He says he has not been informed where the confiscated firearms are being stored.
Civil lawsuit and allegations of intimidation
Mathibeli maintains that SAPS members in KwaZulu-Natal have targeted his businesses and family for years.
He said his civil claim against the police relates to alleged harassment and unlawful conduct.
"It is deeply concerning to witness SAPS being used as a weapon rather than serving its constitutional mandate," he said.
Police deny allegations, threaten legal actionIn response, the office of Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi denied involvement in the operation and rejected Mathibeli’s allegations.
Police said the raid at his premises was conducted by a national head office operation and not by the KwaZulu-Natal command.
The commissioner’s office accused Mathibeli of making defamatory statements and said police in the province would consider legal action.
"Now that Mr Mathibeli has introduced himself to the police in KwaZulu-Natal, his utterances were simply an invitation to police in KwaZulu-Natal to start looking into his business dealings, and police have learnt that he is a beneficiary of a tender with the Department of Health in Gauteng.
"Police in KwaZulu-Natal will give him the attention he is seeking and get the ball of investigations rolling. Police in KwaZulu-Natal did not know about Mr Mathibeli and his business dealings and police would like to thank him for the voluntary invitation to his business operations," read the KZN SAPS statement.
Authorities also indicated they would examine his business dealings, including a Gauteng Department of Health tender, stating that “no malicious attack on police will be left unchallenged” and that nobody is above the law.
The escalating dispute has drawn public attention as both sides trade accusations. Mathibeli insists he is being targeted because of his business interests, while police maintain they are acting within the law.