South African DJ shot dead in Johannesburg

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country’s largest city, Johannesburg, sending shock waves through a nationwide crackdown on entrenched crime.

Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras, was shot dead in the city center on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said three suspects approached the 40-year-old media personality and one of them shot him before fleeing on foot.

Police said the motive for the shooting was unclear and no arrests had been made. It was the latest in a series of killings that have rocked the crime-ridden country in recent years.

Local police chief Fred Kekana said Stocker was attacked as he left his Zambezi villa near Carlton Centre.

“After the victim parked his car, he was allegedly approached by three unknown suspects who shot him before fleeing the scene on foot,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

Kekana said CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks and wearing what looked like a security guard’s uniform shooting Stock before fleeing.

The police chief added that the DJ tried to run away after being shot but fell across the street.

He said Stocker had an unused firearm. Nothing was taken from him during the attack.

Police said key evidence including cartridges was found at the scene.

Police are appealing for witnesses and members of the public who may have seen the suspect to come forward.

Kekana added: “We know they traveled a considerable distance after the shooting and police have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts.”

His sister, Nicole Stock, told state-run SABC news the family was struggling to cope with his death.

“I’m shocked. I have no words. I’m heartbroken,” she said.

“We know he was a voice for many people across the country. He bravely spoke out about issues that many people didn’t want to talk about. This is a huge loss.”

She appealed to the public not to share images or videos from the scene, saying it was an extremely difficult time, especially for Schock’s three sons.

Stock is a well-known South African radio and television presenter and podcaster.

He is the host of Ngicel’ iVisa, a reality show premiering on South Africa’s digital satellite entertainment channel Mzansi Magic.

According to local media reports, in addition to his media career, Stocker is involved in various business activities, including private security, providing elite escort and VIP protection services and providing cover for high-profile events across South Africa.

He was also reportedly involved in property management and assisted with building evictions.

His murder shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of condolences from his fans, government and political parties.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Guyton McKenzie said he was angry and saddened by Stoke’s murder.

McKenzie added: “He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even went against me and my decisions as minister. He was a pure example of who we should be.”

“The brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight has shocked all South Africans,” said Mmusi Maimane, leader of South Africa’s Build One party.

Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment channel (Mnet), said: “DJ Warras is more than just a face on reality TV. He is a talented storyteller, passionate music lover and warm soul who brings joy and energy to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity has left an indelible mark on our channel.”

Mzansi Magic said in a statement that Stoke was known for his charm, passion and sharp wit, adding that his legacy “will continue to live on”.

South Africa is the continent’s most industrialized country and has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with robberies and gang violence intensifying, with about 63 people killed every day between April and September, according to police data.