Outrage as Popular South African DJ Gunned Down in Johannesburg.

DJ Warras was shot in the afternoon.
DJ Warras was shot by a suspect with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, police say.

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country battling rampant crime.

Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the central business district on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities reported the 40-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, with one began shooting at him before fleeing on foot.

The motive behind the incident has not been established and no one has been arrested have been made, according to authorities.

Details of the Attack

Police revealed that Stock was targeted as he was exiting a building near the Carlton Centre.

He had spent several hours at the building managing the setup of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by squatters, it was reported.

"The report indicates the victim was approached by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they began shooting at him before running from the location on foot," a police statement said.

CCTV footage showed a individual with dreadlocked hair and wearing what looked like a guard's attire shooting on Stock before fleeing.

The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but collapsed across the street.

Officials noted that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the attack.

Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were recovered from the location.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials are asking eyewitnesses who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.

"Evidence suggests they covered significant ground after the attack, and officers have been following their trail to determine their location," added an official.

Outpouring of Grief

His family member, a close relative, expressed the family was struggling to understand the tragedy.

"I am devastated. I don't have words," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a voice for many people. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were ready to tackle. This is a devastating blow."

She requested the community to not sharing explicit content from the scene, noting this was an extremely painful time, especially for Stock's young family.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a popular local digital satellite entertainment channel.

Apart from his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various business ventures, including protective services, providing VIP protection services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.

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

Official and Public Tributes

His death has shocked the country and led to an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the government and various organizations.

A cabinet official commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's killing.

"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even challenged me and my actions as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we ought to be," he stated.

A party figurehead commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".

A media executive expressed that "Stock was not merely a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought happiness and vitality to every appearance. His commitment to his craft left an profound impact."

In a release, the channel he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will live on".

Context of Crime

South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated homicide statistics, fuelled by robberies and gang violence, with some over sixty individuals losing their lives per day according to recent data, as per official statistics.

Tammy Moreno
Tammy Moreno

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience in tech consulting and content creation, passionate about simplifying complex topics.