Major General Anthony Gopaul raises concern over Stuart Scharnick possession of 5 firearms. Photo by: Leon Lestrade
(The Post News) – KwaZulu-Natal SAPS (South African Police Service) raised concerns about Stuart Scharnick. It has been confirmed that Scharnick is in possession of five firearms.
Scharnick has been linked to multiple various criminal offenses, such as, theft and carjacking.
Acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in KZN, Major General Anthony Gopaul, explained shocking information. The investigations revealed details on how Scharnick acquired the firearm in question.
Gopaul explained: “You end up questioning yourself about his profile. When we look more into his profile, we discover that Scharnick owns five firearms.”
“We also ask ourselves questions based on how will a person with convictions acquire a firearm license?”
Gopaul gave a thorough explanation on how Scharnick applied for his firearms and the steps taken to do so. The steps included issuing of competency certificates and licensing processes.
He further explained: “At first, we can say Scharnick first firearm license was in 2015. His second application , made in Richards Bay was declined. Reason for decline was failure to disclose information on past convictions.”
SAPS noted that while Scharnick made claims about his reputation previously and legal standing. The investigation undisclosed information. A record of criminal offenses, inclusive of car theft has resurfaced.
As reported by IOL, an SAPS employee had altered the criminal record system and omitted information linked to Stuart Scharnick
Gopaul confirmed this information: “During this preliminary investigation, on the 16th of January 2025, an SAPS employee accessed the system. The employee made adjustments that were suitable enough to benefit Scharnick.”
Who is Stuart Scharnicks?
Irrespective of all alleged crimes committed, Khumalo is adamant Scharnick has not even spent 24 hours in prison. Khumalo also confirms that Scharnick is not linked solely to Sibiya.
Khumalo has implicated Scharnick in his testimonial last month. This occurred before the Ad HOC Committee where Sibiya himself had also appeared.
Sibiya has been reported to occasionally use a white Toyota Hilux registered in Scharnick’s name.
Khumalo informed the Madlanga Commission: “Our records confirm the details, registration and the driver within that period of time.” He also emphasized the proximity level the high-level SAPS and Scharnick.
This raised concerns about how an individual with such a controversial record could bypass vetting. There were questions on how they could access sensitive spaces, including parliamentary hearings.
Scharnick’s criminal record includes: 18 convictions, 11 withdrawn cases and 5 acquittals. There is no clear documentation of Scharnick ever serving time in prison.
Sibiya confirmed that even if Scharnick was an SAPS bodyguard, he was not employed by the SAPS. However, Scharnick slammed this claim and said he is just an acquaintance.
He also claims that the withdrawn cases are due to an agreement with the state. He was “found not guilty” for 5 cases of separate incidents and claims to be a “free man”.
Khumalo asked: “After committing several thefts and hijackings over two years, how long is the sentence? When does it begin after being found guilty?”
This suggests that sentencing was never enforced or Scharnick benefited from systematic loopholes. Scharnick being seen in parliament was deemed a questionable sight.
Scharnick had disclosed a brief background on how met Sibiya. He said he is from Richards Bay in KZN and he was running a construction company there. He met Sibiya in 2001 and 2002 concerning murder cases he and the community were investigating.
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