Grief as Popular South African DJ Killed in Johannesburg.

The media personality was shot in the middle of the day.
DJ Warras was gunned down by a individual with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, police say.

A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country battling persistent crime.

Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on the afternoon of Tuesday.

Officials stated the 40-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, with one shot at him before fleeing on foot.

The reason behind the attack is unknown and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, police said.

Details of the Attack

Police revealed that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a premises close to the Carlton Centre.

He had been present for hours at the site overseeing the setup of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by squatters, it was reported.

"The report indicates the man was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before running from the location on foot," a police statement confirmed.

CCTV footage reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocks and wearing what looked like a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before making his escape.

The DJ attempted to flee after he was wounded but fell down across the street.

It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and it was not a robbery during the attack.

Important clues, like bullet casings, were recovered from the scene.

Investigation Ongoing

Police have appealed members of the public who may have seen the suspects to contact them.

"We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and police have been following their trail to determine their whereabouts," stated a police chief.

Outpouring of Grief

His family member, Nicole Stock, stated the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.

"I am devastated. I am shattered," were her words.
"It is clear 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 requested the public to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the incident, explaining this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's three sons.

A Multifaceted Career

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

Apart from his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including protective services, supplying VIP protection services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.

He was also said to be engaged in real estate operations and was involved in tenant removals.

National Shock

His murder has shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the authorities and political parties.

A government minister remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's untimely death.

"He expressed his views fearlessly and impartially. He even challenged me and my decisions as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," was his tribute.

A public representative said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans".

A broadcasting director said that "Stock was not merely a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity left an lasting impression."

In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his presence, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his memory "will live on".

A National Challenge

South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, fuelled by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily between April and September, as per police data.

Cheryl Ayala
Cheryl Ayala

A tech journalist and gaming enthusiast with over a decade of experience covering digital trends and innovations.