Police have arrested businessman Stuart Sharnick outside the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry after Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi opened a criminal case of intimidation against him.
The high drama arrest took place during a morning tea break at the inquiry venue, where tensions have been running high.
The incident began when Moloi and other members of the media were filming and taking photographs of Sharnick. Sharnick was speaking with suspended Member of Parliament (MP) Fadiel Adams during a break in the proceedings.
According to witnesses, Sharnick became aggressive when he noticed he was being recorded. He confronted Moloi, pointing his finger and using a threatening tone. Reporters on the scene heard Sharnick challenge Moloi to “come outside”. He reportedly told the journalist, “You must not be afraid, I am not part of the Big 5 cartel.”
Refusing to be intimidated, Moloi immediately opened a formal criminal case.
Shortly after the complaint was filed, uniform police officers wearing balaclavas moved in. They apprehended Sharnick directly outside the venue and took him into custody.
Sharnick, a known associate of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, is already a controversial figure at the inquiry.
The Madlanga Commission is currently investigating corruption, criminality, and political interference within the justice system. Prior testimony at the commission revealed that Sharnick has an extensive criminal record. Furthermore, police are investigating how parts of his criminal history were allegedly deleted from the South African Police Service (SAPS) system earlier this year.
Media watchdogs and Sowetan management have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a direct attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists.