A man connected to suspended police Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has rejected claims he operates as part of criminal networks after testimony exposed his past record. Stuart James Sharnick told reporters he was startled when Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant General Dumisani Khumalo displayed his driver's license and conviction history at the Madlanga Commission without acknowledging their prior working relationship. The two collaborated previously during investigations into Richards Bay killings, Sharnick said, questioning why the general omitted this background when presenting evidence.
Sharnick acknowledged 18 convictions but clarified they originated from one 2011-2012 case involving vehicle transactions without adequate verification of their histories. He received suspended sentencing and financial penalties, which he completed. Regarding the armored Toyota Hilux he provided to Sibiya, Sharnick explained he offered the bulletproof vehicle temporarily after protective measures were withdrawn from the deputy commissioner. He denied working as private security or aligning with police internal factions.
The associate criticized the inquiry process as threatening democratic principles, alleging that Khumalo, KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola use government resources for bureaucratic conflicts. The commission must deliver findings to the president by December 2025.
Sharnick acknowledged 18 convictions but clarified they originated from one 2011-2012 case involving vehicle transactions without adequate verification of their histories. He received suspended sentencing and financial penalties, which he completed. Regarding the armored Toyota Hilux he provided to Sibiya, Sharnick explained he offered the bulletproof vehicle temporarily after protective measures were withdrawn from the deputy commissioner. He denied working as private security or aligning with police internal factions.
The associate criticized the inquiry process as threatening democratic principles, alleging that Khumalo, KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola use government resources for bureaucratic conflicts. The commission must deliver findings to the president by December 2025.
