PRETORIA - A Sowetan journalist covering the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry said he was left feeling intimidated after an altercation between himself and suspended MP Fadiel Adams' ally Stuart Scharnick.
The incident happened on Thursday when the commission of inquiry's proceedings continued with Adams in the hot seat.
It is alleged that Scharnick confronted journalist Herman Moloi over recording him without permission.
Moloi said he initially dismissed the accusation as a joke, but Scharnick raised it again during a tea break.
“He approached me again, saying, ' Why are you taking a video of me without permission?' I'm like, we are in the Madlanga building, so we are taking pictures and videos of everything unless the commission states otherwise. And he's like, even yesterday I posted him without permission…”
Moloi said Scharnick referenced a video that was posted on TikTok on Wednesday, but he maintained that it was not him.
READ | Fadiel Adams' ally, Stuart Scharnick arrested
It was here that Moloi claims the exchange escalated.
He said Scharnick allegedly told him, “You want to talk like that? Let’s take it outside.”
This tone, Moloi said, left him feeling intimidated.
“I was just doing my work, and I even respected him when he went to Adams. I took a video from a distance because I was giving him an opportunity to discuss whatever he wanted to discuss with Adams. But then it seems like he didn't take it lightly with me.”
Moloi opened a case of intimidation.
He said his line manager expressed concern over the incident and has offered him counseling.
Scharnick has been arrested on other charges.
The Madlanga Commission has condemned the altercation between Scharnick and Moloi.
Spokesperson Jeremy Michaels said the inquiry is a dignified space for serious business, and troublemakers will face the law.