🔗 Share this article Shock as Beloved South African DJ Shot Dead in Johannesburg. Warrick Stock was shot by a man with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, authorities report. A popular South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a country grappling with rampant crime. Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the central business district on a Tuesday afternoon. Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three individuals, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot. The purpose of the shooting has not been established and no arrests are in custody, police said. How It Happened Law enforcement said that Stock was targeted as he was exiting a location close to the Carlton Centre. He had spent several hours at the site managing the installation of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by squatters, as per local media. "Authorities believe the deceased was approached by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," an official report said. Security camera video reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before making his escape. The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries a short distance away. Police added that Stock had an weapon on his person and it was not a robbery during the incident. Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were discovered at the scene. Appeal for Witnesses Authorities have requested members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward. "Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to find their whereabouts," added an official. Family and Public Reaction His family member, a close relative, said the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss. "Words fail me. I don't have words," she stated."It is clear he was a voice for many people. He addressed issues courageously about topics not many people were ready to tackle. This is a devastating blow." She urged the citizens to avoid sharing explicit content from the incident, explaining this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's young family. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that premiered on a popular local TV network. In addition to his work in broadcasting, Stock was involved in various business ventures, including security provision, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for high-profile events across South Africa. He was also understood to participate in property management and participated in property reclaimations. National Shock His murder has shocked the country and led to an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the government and various organizations. A cabinet official said he was angry and saddened by Stock's murder. "He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my policies as a public official. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," he stated. A party figurehead said the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans". A broadcasting director said that "Stock was far beyond a TV personality. He was a gifted communicator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an lasting impression." In a statement, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his memory "will be remembered". The Broader Picture South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by property crime and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens losing their lives per day between April and September, according to official statistics.
Warrick Stock was shot by a man with dreadlocked hair in the middle of the day, authorities report. A popular South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a country grappling with rampant crime. Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the central business district on a Tuesday afternoon. Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three individuals, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot. The purpose of the shooting has not been established and no arrests are in custody, police said. How It Happened Law enforcement said that Stock was targeted as he was exiting a location close to the Carlton Centre. He had spent several hours at the site managing the installation of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by squatters, as per local media. "Authorities believe the deceased was approached by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," an official report said. Security camera video reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before making his escape. The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries a short distance away. Police added that Stock had an weapon on his person and it was not a robbery during the incident. Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were discovered at the scene. Appeal for Witnesses Authorities have requested members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward. "Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to find their whereabouts," added an official. Family and Public Reaction His family member, a close relative, said the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss. "Words fail me. I don't have words," she stated."It is clear he was a voice for many people. He addressed issues courageously about topics not many people were ready to tackle. This is a devastating blow." She urged the citizens to avoid sharing explicit content from the incident, explaining this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's young family. A Multifaceted Career Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that premiered on a popular local TV network. In addition to his work in broadcasting, Stock was involved in various business ventures, including security provision, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for high-profile events across South Africa. He was also understood to participate in property management and participated in property reclaimations. National Shock His murder has shocked the country and led to an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the government and various organizations. A cabinet official said he was angry and saddened by Stock's murder. "He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my policies as a public official. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," he stated. A party figurehead said the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans". A broadcasting director said that "Stock was far beyond a TV personality. He was a gifted communicator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an lasting impression." In a statement, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his memory "will be remembered". The Broader Picture South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by property crime and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens losing their lives per day between April and September, according to official statistics.