🔗 Share this article Shock as Popular South African DJ Shot Dead in Johannesburg. DJ Warras was shot by a suspect with dreadlocks in broad daylight, police say. A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a nation battling persistent crime. Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday. Police said the 40-year-old presenter was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot. The motive behind the shooting is unknown and no arrests are in custody, police said. The Fatal Incident Police indicated that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a location near the city center landmark. He had devoted time at the building supervising the setup of security systems, which had been illegally inhabited by unidentified individuals, it was reported. "Authorities believe the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," a police statement said. Security camera video reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and clad in what looked like a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away. The DJ tried to run away after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries on the opposite side of the road. It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and it was not a robbery during the assault. Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene. Call for Public Assistance Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have witnessed the attack to assist with the investigation. "Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to establish their whereabouts," stated a police chief. A Nation in Mourning His sister, a close relative, stated the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss. "I am devastated. I cannot express the pain," were her words."We know he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were ready to tackle. This is a profound tragedy." She requested the community to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the incident, saying this was an extremely painful time, particularly for Stock's young family. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a South African TV network. Beyond his media career, Stock was engaged in various business ventures, including security provision, providing elite guarding services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa. He was also said to be engaged in property management and was involved in tenant removals. Official and Public Tributes His death has sent the nation reeling and led to an flood of condolences from his fans, the authorities and political parties. A government minister said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death. "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," the minister added. A party figurehead stated the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans". A broadcasting director 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 happiness and vitality to every appearance. His artistic passion left an lasting impression." In a release, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and quick humor, adding that his legacy "will be remembered". Context of Crime South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, fuelled by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals losing their lives per day in a recent six-month period, according to official statistics.
DJ Warras was shot by a suspect with dreadlocks in broad daylight, police say. A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a nation battling persistent crime. Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday. Police said the 40-year-old presenter was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot. The motive behind the shooting is unknown and no arrests are in custody, police said. The Fatal Incident Police indicated that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a location near the city center landmark. He had devoted time at the building supervising the setup of security systems, which had been illegally inhabited by unidentified individuals, it was reported. "Authorities believe the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," a police statement said. Security camera video reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and clad in what looked like a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away. The DJ tried to run away after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries on the opposite side of the road. It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and it was not a robbery during the assault. Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene. Call for Public Assistance Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have witnessed the attack to assist with the investigation. "Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to establish their whereabouts," stated a police chief. A Nation in Mourning His sister, a close relative, stated the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss. "I am devastated. I cannot express the pain," were her words."We know he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were ready to tackle. This is a profound tragedy." She requested the community to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the incident, saying this was an extremely painful time, particularly for Stock's young family. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a South African TV network. Beyond his media career, Stock was engaged in various business ventures, including security provision, providing elite guarding services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa. He was also said to be engaged in property management and was involved in tenant removals. Official and Public Tributes His death has sent the nation reeling and led to an flood of condolences from his fans, the authorities and political parties. A government minister said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death. "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," the minister added. A party figurehead stated the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans". A broadcasting director 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 happiness and vitality to every appearance. His artistic passion left an lasting impression." In a release, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and quick humor, adding that his legacy "will be remembered". Context of Crime South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, fuelled by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals losing their lives per day in a recent six-month period, according to official statistics.