Tragic Murder of South African DJ Warras Shocks the Nation

Wed Dec 17 2025 13:28:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

DJ Warrick Stock, also known as DJ Warras, was shot dead in Johannesburg, leading to an outpouring of grief and calls for justice amid rising crime rates in South Africa.

DJ Warras, a prominent South African radio and club DJ, was killed in a shooting incident in Johannesburg. This tragic event highlights the rampant crime issues in the country and has resulted in widespread mourning among fans, colleagues, and family. No suspects have been apprehended yet, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.

A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country's largest city, Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across the nation grappling with entrenched crime.

Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon. Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.

The motive of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made, police said. It is the latest in a string of killings that have rocked the crime-ridden country in recent years.

Fred Kekana, a local police chief, said Stock was attacked as he was leaving Zambesi House near Carlton Centre. 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 (SAPS) said in a statement.

CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a security uniform opening fire on Stock before fleeing, said Kekana. The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but fell down across the street, the police chief added.

He said that Stock had an unused firearm on him and nothing was taken during the attack. Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene, according to the police. Authorities are appealing to eyewitnesses and members of the public who may have seen the suspects to come forward.

Speaking to the state-run SABC News, his sister Nicole Stock expressed her grief, saying, I am in shock. I don't have words. I am shattered. We know he was a voice for many people around the country. She urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic images or videos from the scene, and emphasized the impact of this loss on Stock's three sons.

Stock was a well-known radio and TV presenter and a podcaster in South Africa. He was a prominent figure on the reality show Ngicel' iVisa, airing on Mzansi Magic. Additionally, he was involved in various business ventures, including private security and property management.

The murder has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, the government, and political parties. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed his anger and sadness over Stock's death, while other leaders condemned the violent act. South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, indicating a significant ongoing issue with violence and crime.