Skarnik Stuart James

Skarnik Stuart James emerged in the Madlanga Commission’s proceedings as a figure whose criminal record and apparent access to high-level protection drew scrutiny. General Khumalo’s testimony detailed a string of convictions against James between 2010 and 2012, including thefts of motor vehicles in Durban Central, Durban North, and Richards Bay, as well as an assault charge involving grievous bodily harm. The record also raised questions about James’s proximity to senior government officials, with testimony describing him as acting like a close protector in the highest offices of Government for two days. The Commission additionally noted discrepancies in his appearance across photographs, with the chairperson observing that he appeared clean-shaven in one image and heavily bearded in another depicting ownership of a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie.