JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — The South African media landscape is mourning following the fatal shooting of Warrick Stock, the prominent radio personality and club DJ better known as DJ Warras.
The 40-year-old was gunned down in the Johannesburg city centre on Tuesday afternoon, an incident that has once again highlighted the country’s struggle with violent crime.
Local police chief Fred Kekana reported that Stock was attacked outside Zambesi House, near the Carlton Centre. The broadcaster had reportedly spent several hours at the location overseeing the installation of security systems at a building that had been the subject of a controversial occupation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) indicated that the attack appeared targeted. In an official statement, the department noted:
“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.”
CCTV footage reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocks, clad in what appeared to be a security uniform, initiating the gunfire. Chief Kekana added that while Stock attempted to flee after being struck, he collapsed across the street.
Notably, Stock was found to be carrying an unused firearm, and nothing was stolen during the encounter, leaving the motive currently unknown.
Investigative teams have recovered cartridges from the scene and are tracking the suspects’ escape route. “We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts,” Kekana added.
A family and nation in shock
The tragedy has left Stock’s family and the wider public devastated. His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed her grief to the SABC:
“I am in shock. I don’t have words. I am shattered. 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 further requested that the public respect the family’s privacy—particularly for Stock’s three young sons—by not circulating graphic images of the crime scene.
Tributes to a versatile career
Stock was a multifaceted figure, known for his work on Mzansi Magic’s Ngicel’ iVisa and various radio platforms. Beyond entertainment, he was active in property management and private security, providing VIP protection and assisting with building evictions.
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Leaders across the political and cultural spectrum have condemned the murder:
- Gayton McKenzie (Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture): “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.”
- Mmusi Maimane (Build One South Africa Leader): Remarked that the “brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans.”
- Shirley Adonisi (M-Net Director): “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.”
The incident occurs against a backdrop of rising violence in South Africa.
According to recent police data, the nation averages approximately 63 murders per day, driven largely by gang activity and armed robberies.
