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

The media personality was shot in the middle of the day.
DJ Warras was gunned down by a individual with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, officials state.

A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country struggling with rampant crime.

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

Police said the forty-year-old media personality was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom shot at him before running away.

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear and no one has been arrested have been made, police said.

Details of the Attack

Police said that Stock was targeted as he was departing from a location close to the city center landmark.

He had been present for hours at the site overseeing the implementation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unidentified individuals, it was reported.

"It is alleged the man was approached by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," a police statement said.

CCTV footage reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before running away.

The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but collapsed a short distance away.

It was further revealed that Stock had an weapon on his person and it was not a robbery during the incident.

Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were discovered at the crime scene.

Call for Public Assistance

Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have seen the suspects to contact them.

"We know they covered significant ground after the attack, and police have been following their trail to determine their whereabouts," added an official.

Outpouring of Grief

His sister, a close relative, said the relatives are devastated to understand the tragedy.

"I am in shock. I cannot express the pain," she stated.
"It is clear he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about subjects not many people were ready to tackle. This is a devastating blow."

She appealed to the citizens to not sharing graphic images from the scene, explaining this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's young family.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that premiered on a popular local digital satellite entertainment channel.

Apart from his media career, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including private security, offering elite guarding services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.

He was also reportedly involved in real estate operations and assisted with property reclaimations.

Official and Public Tributes

His killing has shocked the country and prompted an flood of condolences from his audience, the government and various organizations.

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

"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even challenged me and my decisions as a public official. He was a pure example of who we must aspire 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 industry leader said that "Stock was far beyond a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought happiness and vitality to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark."

In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, warmth and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will live on".

Context of Crime

South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals losing their lives per day according to recent data, as per government figures.

Andrew May
Andrew May

A tech strategist and innovation consultant with over a decade of experience in Silicon Valley and global markets.