Swanet journalist arrested after intimidation incident at Madlanga Commission

Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi was arrested outside the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry in Pretoria on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after he was allegedly intimidated by Stuart James Scharnick, an associate of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. The arrest followed a criminal case of intimidation opened by Moloi against Scharnick following a confrontation during the commission's proceedings.

The incident occurred during a tea adjournment on the second day of testimony from suspended National Coloured Congress Member of Parliament Fadiel Adams. Moloi stated that he was recording video at the commission when Scharnick approached him to question why he was being filmed without permission. Moloi explained that journalists were authorized to record proceedings at the public inquiry and had been capturing visuals after Scharnick interacted with Adams. The exchange reportedly escalated, with Scharnick allegedly using an intimidating tone and suggesting they "take it outside." Feeling threatened, Moloi reported the incident to the South African Police Service, which subsequently apprehended Scharnick near the Bridget Mabandla Justice College.