WATCH | Shock raid at Mkhambathini as police target bodyguards

A high-stakes early morning raid by elite police units at the embattled Mkhambathini Municipality has exposed serious questions over armed security at the institution, as tensions flare between controversial businessman Calvin Mathibeli and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Members of the Public Order Policing (POP) and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) descended upon municipal offices on Tuesday, executing a firearms compliance search linked to bodyguards assigned to senior political figures. In a dramatic operation, several armed guards were locked inside an office while police searched for firearms and documentation.

Three bodyguards were taken in for questioning — one attached to Mayor Nhlakanipho Ntombela and two linked to the deputy mayor’s protection unit. The security detail is supplied by Mathibeli’s company, Calvin and Family Group, which has previously faced scrutiny from police over firearm compliance. Sources inside the municipality toldThe Witnessthat more than 10 bodyguards are employed to protect political office bearers — raising alarm over the scale of armed protection and whether all weapons are legally licensed.

Mkhambathini municipality spokesperson Buyani Mthiyane said the municipality cannot comment on the matter right now as the matter is with the SAPS. The raid forms part of Operation Buyisa, a nationwide police crackdown targeting illegal firearms and non-compliant private security companies. A police source confirmed the Mkhambathini operation is one of several being carried out across KwaZulu-Natal.

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The developments come amid an escalating public and legal clash between Mathibeli and Mkhwanazi. Mathibeli has accused police of targeting his business empire, while SAPS insists the inspections are lawful and necessary to enforce compliance. Earlier this month, the KwaZulu-Natal High Court dismissed Mathibelai’s urgent bid to block police from inspecting his companies. He had sought to interdict SAPS after being notified of a planned inspection under Operation Buyisa.

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