The police have said a court ruling has cleared the way for a firearms compliance inspection at Calvin Mathibeli's security firm in Durban.
Image: File
The Durban High Court has dismissed an urgent application by businessman Calvin Mathibeli to interdict the South African Police Service (SAPS) from conducting a firearms compliance inspection at his company, Calvin and Family Security Services, in Durban North.
In a statement the police said the ruling, delivered on March 17 removed the legal obstacle to the planned operation. The statement added that members of Operation Buyisa are proceeding with the inspection today, March 19, as mandated by the Constitution and in terms of Section 109 of the Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000.
The police said the compliance inspection forms part of a broader nationwide SAPS initiative aimed at removing illegal firearms from circulation and ensuring that security companies and firearms dealers operate within the confines of the law.
“Operation Buyisa has been prioritised as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of firearms across South Africa, with police conducting similar enforcement actions across multiple provinces.”
The inspection at Mathibeli’s premises will include verification of firearm licences, safe storage facilities, ammunition registers, and competency certification of personnel. SAPS has emphasised that the operation is not targeted at any individual entity but forms part of a wider regulatory enforcement campaign within the private security sector.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny surrounding Mathibeli and his business interests.
In recent weeks, tensions escalated following a court order requiring him to retract statements made against KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mathibeli had alleged misconduct and ulterior motives behind an ongoing police investigation, claims that were rejected by authorities.
Mathibeli has consistently maintained that his businesses operate within legal parameters and has characterised the police action as part of a prolonged campaign against him.
However, SAPS maintains that compliance inspections are routine and necessary to ensure adherence to firearm legislation.
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