In a bombshell testimony at the Madlanga Commission, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo revealed that Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya was seen using a vehicle registered to a prolific criminal.
PRETORIA – A senior South African Police Service (SAPS) official, Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, is under intense scrutiny after it was revealed he was frequently seen driving a Toyota bakkie registered to a man with 34 criminal cases, including 18 convictions for carjacking.
This explosive evidence was presented by Crime Intelligence Head, Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on Tuesday. The commission is investigating allegations of corruption and criminality within the country’s justice system.
Khumalo testified that the vehicle in question is registered to Stuart James Scharnick, a Durban resident with an extensive criminal record. According to the detailed profile presented to the commission, of Scharnick’s 34 charges, 18 led to convictions, 11 were withdrawn, and five resulted in acquittals.
“The vehicle in question is linked to Lieutenant-General Sibiya’s movements on 9 October,” Khumalo stated, referring to the day of a police raid. “Our records confirm both the registration details and the driver associated with that period.”
Criminal Associate Seen in Parliament
Adding another layer of concern, Khumalo informed the commission that Scharnick was present in Parliament last month while Sibiya was testifying before a separate ad hoc committee. Scharnick is believed to be one of Sibiya’s close protection officers, raising serious questions about the propriety of a senior police official being guarded by a man with multiple hijacking convictions.
“Most of the cases relate to vehicle hijackings,” Khumalo emphasised, displaying Scharnick’s criminal history to the commissioners.
A Broader Pattern Under Investigation
Khumalo explained that this evidence forms part of a broader effort by the Madlanga Commission to identify potential misconduct or conflicts of interest involving senior police members.
“The purpose of this evidence is to confirm the link between the car, the driver, and the owner,” he said.
The revelation has sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles, directly challenging the integrity of the police service’s leadership. Meanwhile, commissioners are still grappling with determining whether a separate takedown operation conducted by the Hawks was an act of interference.
Khumalo is expected to continue his testimony on Wednesday, where he will provide further clarity and detail on the nature of Sibiya’s relationship with individuals linked to serious criminal activities.
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