Shock has spread across South Africa after a popular radio and club DJ was shot dead in Johannesburg, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with violent crime.
Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, was killed on Tuesday afternoon in the city centre. Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire before fleeing on foot.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear and no arrests have been made. Authorities say the killing is the latest in a series of violent crimes that have shaken the country in recent years.
Local police chief Fred Kekana said Stock was attacked as he was leaving Zambesi House near the Carlton Centre after spending several hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems.
In a statement, the South African Police Service said:
“It is alleged the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot.”
Kekana said CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks, dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform, opening fire on Stock before escaping. He added that the DJ attempted to run after being shot but collapsed across the street.
Police said Stock had an unused firearm on him and nothing was stolen during the attack. Cartridges and other key evidence were recovered at the scene.
Authorities have appealed to eyewitnesses to come forward.
“We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts,” Kekana said.
Stock’s sister, Nicole, said the family was struggling to come to terms with his death.
“I am in shock. I don’t have words. I am shattered,” she told SABC.
“We know he was a voice for many people around the country. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss.”
She also urged the public to stop sharing graphic images from the scene, noting the impact on Stock’s three sons.
Stock was a prominent radio and television presenter, podcaster and the host of Ngicel’ iVisa, a reality show on Mzansi Magic. He was also involved in several business ventures, including private security, VIP protection and property management.
Tributes have poured in from across the country. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said:
“He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be.”
Build One South Africa leader Mmusi Maimane described the killing as a national shock, while M-Net executive Shirley Adonisi said:
“DJ Warras was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen.”
Mzansi Magic said Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and sharp wit, adding that his legacy “will live on”.
South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with police data showing about 63 people were killed each day between April and September, driven largely by robberies and gang violence.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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