DJ Warras murder: Investigators suspect a targeted hit with a 'price on his head'
Police are still searching for suspects following the fatal shooting of DJ and media personality Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, in Johannesburg’s CBD. While the motive remains unclear, his family has urged South Africans to allow police the space to thoroughly investigate the crime as they mourn a devastating loss.
Image: Facebook
As tributes poured in from around the country for DJ Warras, investigators believe there was “a price on his head” when he was gunned down outside the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
It is believed that after parking his vehicle at the centre in Johannesburg’s inner city, DJ Warras, real name Warrick Stock, was approached by three unknown suspects, who opened fire before fleeing on foot.
Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku has revealed that Stock had obtained five protection orders against individuals who had allegedly threatened him prior to his murder.
On Tuesday, IOL reported that police investigating Stock’s killing believe the primary suspect is a short man with dreadlocks after video footage emerged of the suspect opening fire and fleeing the scene.
Speaking to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday, Tshwaku said analysis of the footage strongly suggests that the murder was a targeted hit.
He added that Stock had secured protection orders against five people known to authorities.
Tshwaku explained: “We believe that this was a hit. Warrick was doing the normal thing of securing the building to ensure that people pay. But the building hijackers see that as stopping the income that was coming to them.
“He had protection orders against five people who are known to us. I have those protection orders, which I received from the lawyers. We believe that a price was put on his head because of the work that he was doing, trying to reclaim that building on behalf of the owner.”
Tshwaku said law enforcement agencies would be questioning the individuals named in the protection orders as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the news of the popular broadcaster’s murder, entrepreneur Robert Hersov took to X, describing Warras as “a brother and friend.” “Warras, we love you, we miss you, may you RIP, brother,” he added.
Meanwhile, The Kiffness shared a black-and-white image of the slain media personality on X, captioned: “RIP Warras @Shady_Lurker.”
Podcaster and media personality Sol Phenduka also posted a cryptic message earlier on Tuesday, just minutes before Warras’s death was confirmed: “Eh this country. The violence is too much. I hope the news I'm hearing isn't true…” In a subsequent post, he added: “Ey man Warras bro.”
DJ Warras’ family said in a verklaring released that they were heartbroken and overwhelmed with shock.
The statement read: “A devoted son, a loving and proud father, a cherished brother, and uncle Warrick (40) was the heart and anchor of his family. His influence and kindness extended far beyond his home, and he was deeply loved by his friends, colleagues, and the wider South African entertainment community.”
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