An Ermelo businessman has won his court bid to get back a fuel distribution business he claims was "hijacked" from him more than a year ago, AfriForum said on Wednesday.

Henk Celliers, an AfriForum member, on Tuesday asked the High Court in Pretoria for an eviction order against business rival Percy Masinga, and an order enabling the sale in execution of Masinga's shares in Ufundu Transport.

Celliers, the main shareholder in Mooipan Boerdery, obtained an order in October last year for jailing Masinga for 30 days for contempt of court. Masinga has however evaded arrest.

Celliers not only wants Masinga arrested, but also sentenced to a further 60 days imprisonment for contempt of court.

"[The] court order forces the South African Police Service in Ermelo to enforce court orders to protect Celliers' diesel distribution business and personnel," AfriForum, which supported his court bid, said in statement.

"It is the 15th court order in Celliers' favour, but the SAPS has now for the first time undertaken before the court to carry out the court orders. In terms of the court order, Percy Masinga and his accomplices, who are currently again illegally occupying Celliers' business, must be removed from the premises and his personnel must be protected against further interference by Masinga.

"Masinga must also be arrested to serve 30 days in custody."

Afriforum's executive director Kallie Kriel said the ruling was not only a victory for Celliers, but also for the rule of the law.

"It is a disgrace that SAPS had to be taken to court simply to do their job and protect citizens' rights," Kriel said.

Judge Roelof du Plessis warned in his ruling that South Africa was standing on the verge of a constitutional crisis because people like Masinga who, thanks to contacts in high places, thought they were above the law.