Madlanga Commission: South Africans Slam Stuart Scharnick Over Alleged Threat Against Journalist
- Stuart Scharnick, an associate of suspended Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, was spotted at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry
- Scharnick was seen talking to Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams before he confronted a journalist from The Sowetan, Herman Moloi
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the footage, sharing varied reactions and suggestions about what should happen
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Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG – Social media users are calling for Stuart James Scharnick to be removed from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry hearings after he allegedly threatened a journalist during proceedings.
Scharnick, a known associate of suspended South African Police Service Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, allegedly threatened Sowetan journalist Moloi Herman at the Commission on 20 August 2026. The incident happened after Herman reportedly took photos and video of Scharnick engaging with Fadiel Adams.
The incident occurred inside the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, where Adams was appearing for the second day. The confrontation was captured on camera and circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp public reaction.
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A case of intimidation opened against Scharnick
The Sowetan strongly condemned the alleged threat, indicating that a formal complaint was lodged directly with the commission. Moloi also opened a case of intimidation against Scharnick.
Scharnick's presence at the Commission is notable given his close association with Sibiya, who himself faces recommended criminal investigation and disciplinary action arising from the ongoing inquiry into corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system.
During his testimony before the Commission, Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo noted that Scharnick was linked to a total of 34 criminal cases nationally. Of those, 18 convictions were consolidated into a single plea deal, 11 charges were withdrawn before reaching a verdict, and five resulted in acquittals.
Scharnick later rubbished General Khumalo's claims. He took it one step further and filed a defamation suit against the Crime Intelligence head.
Scharnick arrested by police
Shortly after charges were laid against Scharnick, he was apprehended by police. The Commission's spokesperson, Jeremy Michaels, touched on the incident, noting that this was the first time something of this nature had happened.
He added that it was a dignified space and the Commission would not tolerate such incidents. It is unclear at this stage whether Scharnick was arrested for the intimidation case or over other matters.
How did South Africans react?
The footage drew strong responses on social media, with some questioning Scharnick’s presence at the proceedings.
@cornymabuti wrote:
"Hebanna, and he's going to get away with it. The commission's security needs to kick him out of the auditorium, please.
@Selbybok stated:
"And we witnessed the threat live."
@harrifa remarked:
"He is full of himself."
@D_Molatoli said:
"This is worrying. What was this about now? Herman must complain to security"
@SireOfNations added:
"Take him out, man. You can’t threaten a journalist inside a Commission and walk free"
@loginlivelife noted:
“Attempts to silence the media only prove how important these commissions are. Stand firm.”
Scharnick's criminal records deleted from system
Briefly News reported that the KwaZulu-Natal Police provided more details about the criminal cases against Scharnick.
Major General Anthony Gopaul noted how Scharnick's criminal records were deleted from the police system's front end.
The records were still retrievable from the system’s back end, which allowed investigators to uncover the incident.
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Source: Briefly News
