Grief as Beloved South African DJ Shot Dead in the City of Johannesburg.

The media personality was attacked in the afternoon.
DJ Warras was gunned down by a individual with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, authorities report.

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

Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was attacked in the city centre on a Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities reported the forty-year-old entertainer was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before escaping on foot.

The purpose of the incident has not been established and no arrests have taken place, police said.

How It Happened

Authorities revealed that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a location close to the city center landmark.

He had spent several hours at the property managing the setup of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by unidentified individuals, as per local media.

"Authorities believe the victim was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before running from the location on foot," authorities said.

Security camera video showed a man with dreadlocks and clad in what appeared to be a security uniform opening fire on Stock before running away.

The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but succumbed to his injuries a short distance away.

It was further revealed that Stock had an weapon on his person and nothing was taken during the incident.

Important clues, like cartridges, were recovered from the location.

Appeal for Witnesses

Officials are asking anyone who saw the event who may have have information to come forward.

"Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been attempting to locate them to find their destination," added an official.

Outpouring of Grief

His family member, a close relative, expressed the family was struggling 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 was a fearless commentator about issues not many people were ready to tackle. This is a devastating blow."

She urged the citizens to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the scene, saying this was an extremely painful time, especially for Stock's young family.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a popular local broadcasting platform.

In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including security provision, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for prestigious gatherings across South Africa.

He was also said to be engaged in building administration and was involved in tenant removals.

National Shock

His death has sent the nation reeling and prompted an flood of condolences from his audience, the authorities and various organizations.

A cabinet official commented he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's untimely death.

"He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," he stated.

A party figurehead commented the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock 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 passionate music lover and a generous spirit who brought excitement and dynamism to every performance. His artistic passion left an indefinable mark."

In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and quick humor, adding that his memory "will be remembered".

A National Challenge

South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the world's highest murder rates, fuelled by property crime and syndicate wars, with some 63 people killed each day in a recent six-month period, as per government figures.

Neil James
Neil James

A tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and their impact on society.