Stuart Scharnick: from construction businessman to key figure in Sibiya saga
Stuart Scharnick, a businessman linked to suspended police official Shadrack Sibiya, was arrested at a commission of inquiry following a harassment complaint. The inquiry is investigating allegations regarding Scharnick's role as a personal protector and his extensive criminal record.
Why it matters
The case exposes potential corruption and lack of oversight within South African law enforcement and the influence of private individuals on public officials.
Stuart Scharnick, a businessman who has been described as a close associate of suspended deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Shadrack Sibiya, was arrested at the Madlanga Commission on Inquiry in Pretoria on Thursday.
His arrest followed a complaint of harassment by Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi during the commission’s sitting.
Scharnick came into the public spotlight in November last year, when head of crime intelligence Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo told the commission that he was Sibiya’s personal protector, despite not being employed by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Scharnick has denied the allegation.
Scharnick is from Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal and has been involved in the construction business since 2005.
His links to Sibiya came under scrutiny after Khumalo testified about their relationship and Scharnick’s alleged involvement in providing protection to the senior police officer.
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