Outrage as Popular South African DJ Shot Dead in Johannesburg.

Warrick Stock was attacked in broad daylight.
DJ Warras was shot by a suspect with dreadlocks in broad daylight, officials state.

A prominent South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country grappling with entrenched crime.

Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said the 40-year-old entertainer was accosted by three individuals, with one shot at him before fleeing on foot.

The purpose of the shooting has not been established and no arrests have been made, as per the official statement.

The Fatal Incident

Police said that Stock was targeted as he was departing from a location near the Carlton Centre.

He had devoted time at the building supervising the installation of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people, it was reported.

"Authorities believe the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before running from the location on foot," an official report stated.

CCTV footage reportedly depicted a individual with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a security uniform shooting on Stock before fleeing.

The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but fell down on the opposite side of the road.

Police added that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the incident.

Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene.

Appeal for Witnesses

Officials are asking eyewitnesses who may have witnessed the attack to contact them.

"We know they covered significant ground after the shooting, and officers have been attempting to locate them to determine their whereabouts," added an official.

Family and Public Reaction

His family member, Nicole Stock, expressed the relatives are devastated to understand the tragedy.

"Words fail me. I don't have words," were her words.
"Everyone understood he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."

She appealed to the citizens to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the incident, explaining this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's young family.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that premiered on a popular local broadcasting platform.

In addition to his media career, Stock was active in various business ventures, including security provision, offering high-level security services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.

He was also understood to participate in property management and assisted with tenant removals.

National Shock

His killing has sent the nation reeling and triggered an wave of remembrances from his fans, the government and political parties.

A senior figure said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.

"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even challenged me and my policies as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," the minister added.

A public representative stated the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a tragedy for all South Africans".

A media executive said that "DJ Warras was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a gifted communicator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a generous spirit who brought excitement and dynamism to every performance. His commitment to his craft left an profound impact."

In a release, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and sharp wit, adding that his legacy "will live on".

The Broader Picture

South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by robberies and gang violence, with some over sixty individuals killed each day between April and September, as per official statistics.

Justin Simpson
Justin Simpson

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering AI, cybersecurity, and startup ecosystems across Europe.