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. Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene, and police have appealed 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 said the family was struggling to process his death. I am in shock. I don't have words. I am shattered, she said. 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.
Stock was known for his charisma and sharp wit in his media career as a presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on Mzansi Magic. He was also involved in private security and property management.
His murder has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the public and political figures, reflecting on the impact of his work and the tragedy of his untimely death. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed anger and sadness over the incident. Local entertainment director Shirley Adonisi described Stock as a talented storyteller and passionate music lover. South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of violence, with many hoping for solutions to the spiraling crime.
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. Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene, and police have appealed 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 said the family was struggling to process his death. I am in shock. I don't have words. I am shattered, she said. 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.
Stock was known for his charisma and sharp wit in his media career as a presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on Mzansi Magic. He was also involved in private security and property management.
His murder has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the public and political figures, reflecting on the impact of his work and the tragedy of his untimely death. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed anger and sadness over the incident. Local entertainment director Shirley Adonisi described Stock as a talented storyteller and passionate music lover. South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of violence, with many hoping for solutions to the spiraling crime.
