Outrage as Renowned South African DJ Shot Dead in the City of Johannesburg.

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

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the nation's economic hub 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 entertainer was accosted by three individuals, with one began shooting at him before fleeing on foot.

The reason of the attack has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended have been made, according to authorities.

The Fatal Incident

Police said that Stock was targeted as he was exiting a premises in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.

He had been present for hours at the building supervising the installation of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by unknown people, as per local media.

"The report indicates the man was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot," an official report said.

Security camera video showed a suspect with dreadlocks and clad in what appeared to be a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before making his escape.

The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but collapsed on the opposite side of the road.

It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the attack.

Important clues, like spent shells, were found at the scene.

Call for Public Assistance

Police have appealed members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.

"Our information indicates they covered significant ground after the shooting, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to establish their destination," added an official.

A Nation in Mourning

His family member, Nicole Stock, expressed the loved ones are reeling to process his death.

"Words fail me. I don't have words," she stated.
"We know he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about subjects not many people were ready to discuss. This is a profound tragedy."

She requested the public to not sharing graphic images from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's children.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that aired on a popular local digital satellite entertainment channel.

Apart from his work in broadcasting, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including security provision, supplying high-level security services and securing major functions across South Africa.

He was also understood to participate in real estate operations and participated in tenant removals.

Condolences Pour In

His murder has sent the nation reeling and prompted an flood of condolences from his followers, the government and political parties.

A government minister commented he was angry and saddened by Stock's murder.

"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a public official. He was a shining model of who we must aspire to be," was his tribute.

A political leader stated the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a tragedy for all South Africans".

A broadcasting director expressed that "DJ Warras was far beyond a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought excitement and dynamism to every moment on screen. His commitment to his craft left an lasting impression."

In a statement, the channel he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, kindness and quick humor, adding that his memory "will live on".

The Broader Picture

South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the planet's most severe homicide statistics, exacerbated by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals losing their lives per day between April and September, as per official statistics.

Cody Martin
Cody Martin

A passionate gamer and tech writer with over a decade of experience covering indie and AAA titles across multiple platforms.