Stuart Scharnick due to apply for bail on firearm charges
Stuart Scharnick is expected to apply for bail in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges under the Firearms Control Act.
Businessman Stuart James Scharnick is expected to apply for bail in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday after spending the past week in custody on firearm-related charges.
Scharnick faces allegations of contravening the Firearms Control Act. The National Prosecuting Authority said the case arose from a police investigation into compliance with firearm-storage and registration requirements.
He made a brief court appearance last week before the matter was postponed to allow the state to verify information relevant to the bail application.
Scharnick was arrested at the Madlanga Commission premises in Johannesburg. SABC News reported that the arrest followed a separate alleged confrontation with journalist Herman Moloi, who opened an intimidation case after being confronted about filming inside the commission auditorium.
The firearm charges before the Randburg court are allegations and have not been tested at trial. Scharnick is presumed innocent unless convicted.
During the bail hearing, the court is expected to consider the usual factors set out in criminal procedure, including the interests of justice and the information placed before it by the prosecution and defence.
A decision on bail would deal only with Scharnick's custody while the case proceeds. It would not determine whether he is guilty of the firearm-law charges.
The case is one of several criminal and commission-related proceedings drawing attention to people linked to evidence before the Madlanga inquiry.