South African DJ and radio presenter DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg

The popular club DJ was gunned down on Tuesday afternoon after being approached by three people

DJ Warras, the popular radio presenter, DJ, and producer hailing from South Africa, has been killed in a shooting, Johannesburg police have confirmed.

Warras - real name Warrick Robert Stock - was gunned down in Johannesburg city centre on the afternoon of Tuesday (December 16) after being approached by three people, police said.

One shooter opened fire at Stock, before all three suspects escaped on foot. The motive for the attack is currently unknown, police said, and no arrests have been made as of yet.

The news of the shooting was confirmed yesterday by South Africa’s Ministry Of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), who paid tribute to the 40-year-old artist for his “significant contribution to South African media and the arts.”

According to local police, Stock was leaving his vehicle outside Zambesi House when he was approached, a building where he had been installing security systems, and where a group of unknown people were reportedly residing, per SABC (via BBC).

Police chief Fred Kekana said that a man who appeared to be wearing a security uniform was seen on CCTV opening fire. Stock attempted to run, but fell down after crossing the street. Police are currently appealing for information.

Stock was a popular figure in South African media, both as a radio and TV presenter, and as a DJ. He is survived by his three sons, his mother, and his siblings.

“He was widely regarded as a mentor and supporter of emerging creatives, always willing to open doors and encourage new voices,” the DSAC said in tribute. “His work, passion and influence will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.”

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter

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