A prominent South African radio and club DJ, Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, has been shot dead in central Johannesburg, police have confirmed.
Stock, aged 40, was killed in a daylight attack on Tuesday outside Zambesi House near the Carlton Centre, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police said the DJ was confronted by three suspects, one of whom opened fire before the assailants fled the scene on foot. No arrests have been made, and the motive for the killing remains unclear.
Johannesburg police chief Fred Kekana disclosed that CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks, wearing what appeared to be a security uniform, shooting Stock. The DJ reportedly attempted to escape but collapsed in the street after sustaining gunshot wounds.
Investigators revealed that Stock had spent several hours at the building earlier in the day supervising the installation of security systems. South Africa’s state broadcaster, SABC, reported that the building was allegedly occupied by unknown individuals.
Police recovered an unused firearm belonging to Stock at the scene and confirmed that nothing was stolen during the attack. Cartridges and other forensic evidence were also collected.
“We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts,” Kekana told reporters.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that may assist ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, the DJ’s sister, Nicole Stock, has appealed for restraint on social media, urging people to stop circulating videos and images of the incident.
“Please remove them. He has three beautiful boys, and this is an incredibly difficult time for the family,” she said.
Born in Durban in 1985, DJ Warras was a well-known figure in South Africa’s music and nightlife scene, earning recognition as a radio personality and club DJ.
Police investigations into the killing are ongoing.