Outrage as Renowned South African DJ Killed in Johannesburg.

DJ Warras was attacked in the middle of the day.
DJ Warras was shot by a man with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, officials state.

A popular South African media personality and entertainer has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country grappling with rampant crime.

Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the downtown area on a Tuesday afternoon.

Authorities reported the forty-year-old entertainer was approached by three suspects, with one began shooting at him before fleeing on foot.

The purpose behind the incident is unknown and no arrests have taken place, as per the official statement.

How It Happened

Law enforcement revealed that Stock was ambushed as he was leaving a building near the Carlton Centre.

He had been present for hours at the property overseeing the implementation of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, 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 fleeing the scene on foot," a police statement confirmed.

Surveillance tape reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a security uniform firing shots on Stock before making his escape.

The DJ tried to run away after he was hit but collapsed across the street.

Police added that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the incident.

Important clues, like spent shells, were discovered at the crime scene.

Call for Public Assistance

Police have appealed eyewitnesses who may have seen the suspects to come forward.

"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the shooting, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to find their location," added an official.

Outpouring of Grief

His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed the relatives are devastated to understand the tragedy.

"I am in shock. I cannot express the pain," she said.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were ready to speak about. This is a devastating blow."

She appealed to the citizens to refrain from sharing graphic images from the scene, noting this was an deeply traumatic time, particularly for Stock's three sons.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that aired on a popular local TV network.

Apart from his media career, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including private security, supplying elite guarding services and protecting high-profile events across South Africa.

He was also said to be engaged in real estate operations and was involved in building evictions.

Condolences Pour In

His murder has sent the nation reeling and triggered an outpouring of tributes from his fans, the government and political parties.

A government minister remarked he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.

"He was forthright fearlessly and impartially. He even challenged me and my actions as a public official. He was a shining model of who we must aspire to be," he stated.

A party figurehead said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".

A media executive expressed that "DJ Warras was not merely a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a kind-hearted individual who brought joy and energy to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an profound impact."

In a release, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will be remembered".

A National Challenge

South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, fuelled by robberies and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals murdered daily in a recent six-month period, according to government figures.

John Price
John Price

Wildlife biologist and photographer specializing in sloth behavior and rainforest ecosystems, with over a decade of field research experience.