KZN Police
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Police in KwaZulu-Natal are set to hold a media briefing today to provide context on investigations stemming from the Madlanga Commission, particularly those related to James Stuart Scharnick’s criminal record and firearm licence.
The briefing, scheduled for 13h00 on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at the 18th Floor Auditorium of the SAPS KZN Provincial Headquarters on 15 Bram Fischer Road, follows Scharnick’s decision to open cases of perjury and defamation against Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo in Pretoria on Wednesday.
This development comes after Khumalo’s testimony at the commission last week, where he linked Scharnick to suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, alleging Scharnick has 34 criminal cases on record, including 18 convictions, 11 withdrawn, and five acquittals.
Scharnick, described as a Durban man and self-confessed associate of Sibiya, has strongly denied being Sibiya’s personal protector or having any improper ties. The briefing aims to clarify some of the matters raised at the commission, as several cases involving Scharnick were opened and investigated in KwaZulu-Natal. This step underscores the ongoing scrutiny of connections between law enforcement figures and individuals with criminal histories, amid broader probes into police corruption.
Scharnick’s Response and Legal Action Against Khumalo
Scharnick has hit back at Khumalo’s claims, calling them defamatory and an attempt to tarnish his name with fabricated details. In exclusive interviews, he denied all allegations, stating Khumalo is seeking to mislead the Madlanga Commission. “Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo is seeking to mislead the Madlanga Commission by calling me a close protector of suspended Deputy National Police Commissioner, Dumisani Khumalo,” Scharnick said.
On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, Scharnick opened the cases at Pretoria Central Police Station, accusing Khumalo of abuse of power and demanding a retraction of the statements made at the commission. His legal team argues that the testimony was without basis and has caused irreparable harm to his reputation.
Scharnick’s name surfaced during Khumalo’s evidence, where the general alleged a Toyota bakkie used by Sibiya was registered under Scharnick’s name. Khumalo described the pattern as suspicious, labelling Scharnick a “hijacker” based on his record, which includes cases mostly committed in Durban and surroundings.
The Madlanga Commission Context and Sibiya’s Involvement
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within law enforcement, following claims by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. During his testimony, Khumalo implicated Sibiya in various issues, including his association with Scharnick.
Sibiya, suspended as Deputy National Police Commissioner, has been accused by witnesses like Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala of being involved in corrupt networks. Matlala, a key figure in the commission, labelled Sibiya a criminal. Khumalo’s statements suggested Sibiya’s use of Scharnick’s vehicle raised questions about his integrity.
The commission has heard that Scharnick made contact with investigators to possibly testify and clear his name. Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels confirmed communication has begun, as part of standard procedure for those mentioned in testimonies.
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