🔗 Share this article Grief as Beloved South African DJ Shot Dead in Johannesburg. DJ Warras was gunned down by a suspect with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, police say. A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country struggling with entrenched crime. Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was attacked in the downtown area on the afternoon of Tuesday. Police said the 40-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before running away. The motive behind the attack has not been established and no arrests have taken place, police said. The Fatal Incident Law enforcement indicated that Stock was ambushed as he was departing from a building in the vicinity of the city center landmark. He had been present for hours at the site overseeing the setup of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, as per local media. "The report indicates the man was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," authorities confirmed. Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocked hair and clad in what appeared to be a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away. The DJ tried to run away after he was wounded but collapsed on the opposite side of the road. It was further revealed that Stock had an weapon on his person and it was not a robbery during the assault. Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene. Appeal for Witnesses Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have seen the suspects to assist with the investigation. "We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and investigators have been following their trail to establish their destination," stated a police chief. Family and Public Reaction His sister, a close relative, said the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss. "I am devastated. I am shattered," she said."Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were willing to discuss. This is a profound tragedy." She appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic images from the incident, explaining this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's children. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a popular local broadcasting platform. Beyond his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various business ventures, including private security, supplying VIP protection services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa. He was also reportedly involved in building administration and participated in tenant removals. Condolences Pour In His killing has caused national trauma and prompted an wave of remembrances from his audience, the authorities and various organizations. A cabinet official commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder. "He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even criticized me and my policies as a public official. He was a pure example of who we ought to be," he stated. A party figurehead stated the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans". A industry leader expressed that "Stock was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought excitement and dynamism to every appearance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark." In a release, the channel he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and quick humor, adding that his memory "will be remembered". Context of Crime South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the world's highest homicide statistics, exacerbated by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some dozens of citizens killed each day between April and September, as per official statistics.
DJ Warras was gunned down by a suspect with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, police say. A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country struggling with entrenched crime. Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was attacked in the downtown area on the afternoon of Tuesday. Police said the 40-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before running away. The motive behind the attack has not been established and no arrests have taken place, police said. The Fatal Incident Law enforcement indicated that Stock was ambushed as he was departing from a building in the vicinity of the city center landmark. He had been present for hours at the site overseeing the setup of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, as per local media. "The report indicates the man was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," authorities confirmed. Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocked hair and clad in what appeared to be a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away. The DJ tried to run away after he was wounded but collapsed on the opposite side of the road. It was further revealed that Stock had an weapon on his person and it was not a robbery during the assault. Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene. Appeal for Witnesses Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have seen the suspects to assist with the investigation. "We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and investigators have been following their trail to establish their destination," stated a police chief. Family and Public Reaction His sister, a close relative, said the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss. "I am devastated. I am shattered," she said."Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were willing to discuss. This is a profound tragedy." She appealed to the public to refrain from sharing graphic images from the incident, explaining this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's children. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a popular local broadcasting platform. Beyond his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various business ventures, including private security, supplying VIP protection services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa. He was also reportedly involved in building administration and participated in tenant removals. Condolences Pour In His killing has caused national trauma and prompted an wave of remembrances from his audience, the authorities and various organizations. A cabinet official commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder. "He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even criticized me and my policies as a public official. He was a pure example of who we ought to be," he stated. A party figurehead stated the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans". A industry leader expressed that "Stock was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought excitement and dynamism to every appearance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark." In a release, the channel he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and quick humor, adding that his memory "will be remembered". Context of Crime South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the world's highest homicide statistics, exacerbated by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some dozens of citizens killed each day between April and September, as per official statistics.