Grief as Renowned South African DJ Gunned Down in the City of Johannesburg.

DJ Warras was shot in the afternoon.
Warrick Stock was gunned down by a individual with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, officials state.

A popular South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country struggling with rampant crime.

Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities reported the forty-year-old presenter was confronted by three suspects, with one began shooting at him before fleeing on foot.

The reason of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made, as per the official statement.

How It Happened

Police said that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a location near the city center landmark.

He had been present for hours at the building managing the setup of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, as per local media.

"It is alleged the deceased was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot," a police statement stated.

Security camera video showed a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform shooting on Stock before fleeing.

The DJ tried to run away after he was wounded but collapsed across the street.

Officials noted that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the attack.

Important clues, like cartridges, were found at the crime scene.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials are asking members of the public who may have seen the suspects to assist with the investigation.

"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and police have been following their trail to establish their destination," remarked an authority figure.

A Nation in Mourning

His family member, a close relative, said the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.

"Words fail me. I am shattered," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about subjects not many people were prepared to speak about. This is a profound tragedy."

She appealed to the public to refrain from sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's three sons.

Life Beyond the Decks

Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a South African TV network.

Apart from his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including private security, offering VIP protection services and securing high-profile events across South Africa.

He was also understood to participate in real estate operations and participated in building evictions.

Official and Public Tributes

His murder has caused national trauma and led to an wave of remembrances from his fans, the authorities and various organizations.

A senior figure said he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's killing.

"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a minister. He was a true embodiment of who we must aspire to be," the minister added.

A public representative commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans".

A industry leader expressed that "Stock was far beyond a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, 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 declared Stock was known for his magnetism, approachability and sharp wit, adding that his memory "will endure".

A National Challenge

South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by property crime and organized criminal activity, with some 63 people killed each day between April and September, as per government figures.

Jose Huynh
Jose Huynh

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business transformation, passionate about making tech accessible.