Outrage as Popular South African DJ Killed in Johannesburg.

DJ Warras was shot in the middle of the day.
Warrick Stock was gunned down by a man with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, police say.

A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country grappling with entrenched crime.

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

Authorities reported the forty-year-old presenter was accosted by three suspects, one of whom shot at him before fleeing on foot.

The reason of the shooting has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, according to authorities.

The Fatal Incident

Authorities indicated that Stock was ambushed as he was departing from a location near the Carlton Centre.

He had devoted time at the building supervising the setup of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, according to reports.

"The report indicates the deceased was approached by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before running from the location on foot," a police statement confirmed.

CCTV footage reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a protective services outfit opening fire on Stock before running away.

The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but collapsed on the opposite side of the road.

It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the attack.

Important clues, like bullet casings, were discovered at the scene.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have seen the suspects to come forward.

"We know they covered significant ground after the shooting, and police have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts," added an official.

A Nation in Mourning

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

"I am devastated. I am shattered," were her words.
"Everyone understood he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were ready to speak about. This is a profound tragedy."

She urged the public to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's three sons.

His Professional Legacy

Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that premiered on a South African broadcasting platform.

Apart from his media career, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including protective services, offering high-level security services and securing high-profile events across South Africa.

He was also reportedly involved in real estate operations and assisted with building evictions.

Official and Public Tributes

His murder has shocked the country and prompted an wave of remembrances from his fans, the authorities and political parties.

A senior figure said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.

"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," was his tribute.

A political leader commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".

A media executive expressed that "DJ Warras was far beyond a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a generous spirit who brought happiness and vitality to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an profound impact."

In a statement, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and sharp wit, adding that his memory "will be remembered".

Context of Crime

South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, exacerbated by robberies and syndicate wars, with some 63 people murdered daily between April and September, according to government figures.

Michael Gonzalez
Michael Gonzalez

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