South Africa’s entertainment industry and broader society are reeling from the brazen daylight assassination of renowned media personality Warrick ‘DJ Warras’ Stock. The 40-year-old radio presenter, television host, and podcaster was executed in central Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon, a brutal incident that has intensified national conversations about the country’s severe crime epidemic.
According to official statements from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the attack occurred as Stock was departing from Zambesi House near the Carlton Centre precinct. Three unidentified assailants approached the media figure after he had parked his vehicle. CCTV footage obtained by investigators depicts one suspect—described as wearing dreadlocks and what appeared to be a security uniform—opening fire on Stock before all three fled the scene on foot.
Police Chief Fred Kekana provided disturbing details of the final moments, noting that the victim attempted to escape after being shot but collapsed across the street. Notably, investigators confirmed Stock was carrying an unused firearm at the time of the attack, and no items were stolen from his person, complicating initial assumptions about robbery as a potential motive. Forensic teams have collected key evidence including spent cartridges from the crime scene.
Beyond his celebrity status as host of the popular reality show ‘Ngicel’ iVisa’ on Mzansi Magic, Stock maintained a diverse professional portfolio that included private security services, VIP protection operations, property management, and assistance with building evictions—a dimension that authorities are examining as they develop investigative leads.
The murder has triggered an extraordinary outpouring of grief and condemnation across South Africa’s social and political landscape. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie praised Stock’s fearless commentary, noting he ‘spoke his truth without fear or favour.’ Opposition leader Mmusi Maimane of the Build One party characterized the killing as ‘a shock for all South Africans,’ reflecting the profound impact of this violence.
This tragedy occurs against a grim statistical backdrop: South Africa maintains one of the world’s highest homicide rates, with approximately 63 lives lost to violent crime each day according to recent police data. The brazen nature of Stock’s murder in a public space has amplified calls for urgent action to address the country’s entrenched security challenges.