By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 August 2026 – The accused, Stuart Scharnick (40) briefly appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Firearms Control Act. The matter was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application and the accused remains in custody.
Scharnick faces charges arising from an investigation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) relating to compliance with firearm storage and registration requirements. It is alleged that police officials sought to conduct an inspection of the accused’s firearms and visited his residential address in Douglasdale.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Magaboke Mohlatlole said upon arriving at the address, they were unable to locate him and subsequently discovered that he had relocated to another residence without notifying the Central Firearms Registry of his change of address as required by law. Mohlatlole said the police then proceeded to the accused’s new residence, which belongs to his partner.
“During the inspection, officers allegedly found that one of his firearms was not stored in a prescribed safe, contrary to the requirements of the Firearms Control Act. The case was postponed to 1 September 2026, for a formal bail application.
“Scharnick remains in custody pending his next court appearance. The NPA remains committed to ensuring that matters involving alleged firearms-related offences are prosecuted fairly, efficiently, and in accordance with the law. Compliance with firearm control legislation is essential to promoting public safety and accountability among firearm owners,” she said.
The Guardian 