The Durban High Court on Tuesday rejected the court interdict filed by National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele against three IFP leaders on incidents that took place during the elections.

"Justice has been served. Mr Bheki Cele did not succeed. The interdict was denied. We are delighted at the outcome. One can only hope that this will be a lesson learnt for Mr Cele as he goes about his job of Top Cop of South Africa," said IFP provincial secretary Dr Bonginkosi Buthelezi.

Cele, who is KwaZulu-Natal's former safety MEC, filed an application in February interdicting three IFP leaders from publishing defamatory statements against him.

He approached the court after the IFP claimed he was seen pointing a firearm at IFP supporters in Nongoma in January, and accused him of provoking police to fire rubber bullets at IFP supporters.

Respondents in the application included IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, party MP and spokesperson on security, Velaphi Ndlovu, and IFP national organiser Albert Mncwango.