South African DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg
by Chris Benson · UPIDec. 17 (UPI) -- A well-known South African radio and club DJ was fatally shot sparking nationwide outrage in a country already struggling with high crime rates.
Warrick Stock, who performed as DJ Warras, was fatally shot in downtown Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon, the BBC reported.
"He spoke his truth without fear or favor. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," South Africa's Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
According to authorities, three individuals confronted the 40-year-old media figure. One of them shot him before all three fled the scene on foot.
No suspect has been detained. Police have yet to determine a motive.
"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," stated South Africa's Police Service.
According to local police chief Fred Kekana, Stock's assault occurred outside Zambesi House near the Carlton Center.
Stock spent several hours at the site supervising the setup of new security systems after the building had been taken over by unidentified occupants, South African media reported.
According to Kekana, surveillance footage captured a dreadlocked man wearing what appeared to be a security guard's uniform shooting at Stock before escaping the scene.
He said Stock attempted to flee after being hit but collapsed on the opposite side of the street.
Officers later confirmed Stock had a firearm he didn't use and the attacker took nothing from Stock.
Investigators recovered several cartridges and other critical evidence.
"We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts," added Kekana.
"I am in shock. I don't have words. I am shattered," his sister Nicole Stock told SABC and urged the public to not share the graphic images.
"We know he was a voice for many people around the country. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
South Africa is known as Africa's most industrialized nation but continues to battle rampant gang activity and robberies that drive its exceptionally high murder rate.
Police statistics show that between April and September, about 63 people were killed every day in South Africa.