Stuart Scharnick remains in custody over alleged firearm law breaches

Stuart Scharnick, 40, remains in custody after appearing in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges relating to alleged contraventions of the Firearms Control Act.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the charges follow a South African Police Service investigation into compliance with firearm registration and storage requirements.

Police allegedly went to Scharnick’s residential address in Douglasdale to inspect his firearms but could not find him there.

The investigation allegedly established that he had moved to another residence without notifying the Central Firearms Registry of his change of address, as required by law.

Police then proceeded to the new residence, which belongs to Scharnick’s 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 matter was postponed to 1 September 2026 for a formal bail application. Scharnick remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

The NPA said it remains committed to prosecuting firearm-related offences fairly, efficiently and in accordance with the law, while stressing the importance of compliance with firearm control legislation for public safety and accountability.