Shock as Renowned South African DJ Shot Dead in Johannesburg.

DJ Warras was attacked in broad daylight.
Warrick Stock was gunned down by a individual with dreadlocks in the middle of the day, officials state.

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

Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.

Officials stated the 40-year-old media personality was approached by a trio of assailants, with one shot at him before running away.

The motive behind the attack is unknown and no one has been arrested are in custody, according to authorities.

Details of the Attack

Police said that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a premises close to the Carlton Centre.

He had devoted time at the building overseeing the installation of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, as per local media.

"The report indicates the man was approached by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," a police statement confirmed.

Surveillance tape reportedly captured a man with dreadlocked hair and wearing what resembled a guard's attire shooting on Stock before fleeing.

The DJ attempted to flee after he was wounded but succumbed to his injuries across the street.

It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the assault.

Important clues, like cartridges, were found at the location.

Investigation Ongoing

Officials are asking members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.

"Evidence suggests they traveled on foot after the shooting, and investigators have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts," added an official.

Family and Public Reaction

His family member, a close relative, expressed the relatives are devastated to process his death.

"I am devastated. I am shattered," she said.
"Everyone understood he was a champion for numerous individuals. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were ready to tackle. This is a tremendous loss."

She urged the community to not sharing disturbing footage from the scene, saying this was an extremely painful time, particularly for Stock's three sons.

A Multifaceted Career

Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that premiered on a South African TV network.

Apart from his work in broadcasting, Stock was active in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including security provision, supplying VIP protection services and managing safety for prestigious gatherings across South Africa.

He was also understood to participate in property management and assisted with building evictions.

Official and Public Tributes

His killing has sent the nation reeling and triggered an wave of remembrances from his fans, the government and political parties.

A cabinet official said he was angry and saddened by Stock's killing.

"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a minister. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," was his tribute.

A party figurehead said the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".

A media executive expressed that "DJ Warras was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought excitement and dynamism to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an indefinable mark."

In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, approachability and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will endure".

A National Challenge

South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the world's highest rates of violent death, fuelled by theft-related violence and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens losing their lives per day in a recent six-month period, according to official statistics.

Travis Parker
Travis Parker

Mira Chen is a tech journalist and digital strategist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and innovation trends across Europe.