Shock as popular South African DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg city centre

JOHANNESBURG — A well-known South African radio and club DJ was shot dead in central Johannesburg on Tuesday, authorities said, in a killing that has sent shockwaves through a country struggling with high levels of violent crime.

Warrick Stock, 40, popularly known as DJ Warras, was approached by three suspects in the city center, and one of them opened fire before the group fled on foot, police said. No arrests have been made and the motive remains unknown.

Local police chief Fred Kekana said the shooting occurred outside Zambesi House near the Carlton Centre. Stock had spent several hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems, according to the state broadcaster SABC.

“It is alleged the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks, dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform, firing at Stock before escaping, Kekana said. The DJ attempted to run after being shot but collapsed across the street.

Police said Stock was carrying an unused firearm and that nothing was stolen during the attack. Cartridge casings were recovered at the scene.

Authorities have appealed to witnesses to come forward, saying officers are tracking the suspects, who were seen walking a considerable distance after the shooting.

Stock’s sister, Nicole Stock, told SABC the family was struggling to process his death.

“I am in shock. I don’t have words. I am shattered,” she said, urging the public not to share graphic images or videos from the scene, particularly out of consideration for Stock’s three sons.

Stock was a radio and television presenter, podcaster and the host of Ngicel’ iVisa, a reality show that aired on Mzansi Magic. He was also involved in several business ventures, including private security and property management, according to local media.

Tributes poured in from fans, broadcasters and political leaders. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said he was angered and saddened by the killing, describing Stock as someone who “spoke his truth without fear or favour.”

Mmusi Maimane, leader of the Build One South Africa party, described the killing as a “brazen murder in broad daylight” that had shocked the nation.

Mzansi Magic said Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and sharp wit, adding that his legacy would endure.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates, driven largely by robbery and gang violence. Police data show about 63 people were killed each day between April and September.