In brief
In a shocking incident, South African DJ Warras was fatally shot in Johannesburg during the day, leaving a community in grief. The 40-year-old media personality was shot by three assailants for unknown reasons, sparking outrage and sadness. Warras was known for his bold voice on social issues and was mourned by fans and leaders alike.
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. He said that Stock had an unused firearm on him and nothing was taken during the attack.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene, according to the police. 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.
Stock was a well-known radio and TV presenter and a podcaster in South Africa. He was also involved in various business ventures, including private security and property management.
His murder has shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fans and the government. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed anger and sadness over Stock's murder, highlighting his bravery in speaking out on issues not many were willing to address.
South Africa, one of the world's most dangerous countries, sees a staggering murder rate, with many lives lost daily to violence.
