A TikTok personality is expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Monday after being arrested for allegedly hurling insults at KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and encouraging violence against him.
The arrest sends another strong message about the growing scrutiny of social media conduct, particularly where online content allegedly crosses the line from criticism into criminal behaviour.
The suspect, Max Makhanya, was reportedly arrested on Sunday afternoon, 1 November 2026, at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, where thousands of supporters had gathered for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s final election rally ahead of the local government elections.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed to the media that the provincial task team tracked down the suspect following an investigation into a TikTok video allegedly containing elements of crimen injuria and incitement to commit violence.
Police allege that the suspect directed insulting remarks at Mkhwanazi while also encouraging members of the public to engage in violence.
He is expected to face charges relating to crimen injuria and incitement to violence. His identity has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of an earlier warning by Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo, who cautioned members of the public against using social media to insult police officers and government officials.
As previously reported by African Times News, Boshielo made the remarks on 21 October 2026 during the opening of the newly built Bakenberg and Villa Nora police stations in Limpopo.
She warned that the police service had a unit monitoring social media posts involving government officials and other individuals.
Her comments came amid controversy surrounding social media personality Nkgodisheng Paul Madubanya, popularly known as Tsaka RSA, whose alleged conduct towards police officers had attracted public attention.
Boshielo made it clear that social media users should not assume that hiding behind a cellphone or keyboard places them beyond the reach of the law.
The latest arrest brings her warning sharply back into focus, with another social media personality now facing the prospect of answering to criminal allegations in court.
