STUART SCHARNICK GRANTED BAIL IN FIREARMS CONTROL ACT MATTER

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) notes the decision of the Randburg Magistrates’ Court to grant Stuart Scharnick (40) bail of R5 000 in a matter involving alleged contraventions of the Firearms Control Act.

The state opposed the bail application. However, the court found that Scharnick had satisfied the interests of justice and that any potential risks could be adequately addressed through strict bail conditions. These conditions include notifying the investigating officer should he relocate from Gauteng or travel outside South Africa. Scharnick’s passport has been handed over to the investigating officer as part of the bail conditions to monitor his movements.

The state also applied for Scharnick to report once a week at the Randburg Police Station. However, the court did not grant this condition, finding that he is not a flight risk.

The charges stem from an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) into alleged non-compliance with firearm registration and storage requirements prescribed by the Firearms Control Act.

It is alleged that police officials attended the accused’s residential address in Douglasdale to inspect his firearms. Upon arrival, they were unable to locate him and subsequently established that he had relocated without informing the Central Firearms Registry of his change of address, as required by law.

Police later proceeded to the accused’s new residence, which is owned by his partner. During the inspection, officers allegedly found that one of the accused’s firearms was not stored in a prescribed safe, contrary to the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.

The matter was postponed to 11 November 2026 for further investigation.

The NPA reminds the public that bail proceedings are not a determination of guilt or innocence. The criminal case remains before the court, and the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The State will continue to prosecute the matter in accordance with the law and the evidence before the court.

Issued by:

 Magaboke Mohlatlole

 NPA Communications Officer: Gauteng Division, Johannesburg