The arrest of Stuart James Sharnick outside the Madlanga Commission has placed renewed focus on the safety of journalists covering South Africa’s high-profile inquiry into alleged corruption and criminality within the police.
Sharnick was arrested on Thursday after Sowetan journalist Herman Moloi opened an intimidation case following an alleged confrontation at the commission in Pretoria.
The incident happened during a tea break while suspended MP and National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams was appearing before the commission. Several journalists were recording Adams and Sharnick as they spoke.
Sharnick allegedly confronted Moloi over the recording, questioning why he had filmed him without permission. Moloi later said the nature and tone of the confrontation made him feel intimidated, prompting him to approach police and open a case.
Police subsequently arrested Sharnick outside the commission venue. The precise charges were not immediately confirmed.
The incident has drawn attention because Sharnick has been described as an associate of Adams and suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya. He has also previously been accused of involvement in cross-border vehicle hijacking activities, allegations that he has not been convicted of based on the information currently available.
The Madlanga Commission said it was concerned about the confrontation and emphasised the important role journalists play in informing the public about its proceedings. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the rules governing the conduct of people attending the hearings would be reviewed.
The South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) also expressed concern, warning that intimidation of journalists can have a wider chilling effect on media freedom. SANEF said journalists have a right to carry out their work and that such incidents cannot be allowed to become normalised.
The arrest comes as the commission continues hearing explosive testimony about alleged criminal networks, political interference and corruption within law enforcement.