DJ Warras received threats prior to his murder, Joburg Safety MMC reveals
DJ Warras was killed on Tuesday in what authorities say appears to be a targeted hit.
Image: Instagram
Popular DJ, radio and TV presenter and podcaster Warrick Stock, who was known as DJ Warras had received threats prior to his murder on Tuesday.
Stock was gunned down outside the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg. Video footage has shown that the shooter, a short man with dreadlocks, approached Stock as he left a building and shot him.
The man fled the scene with another individual who was wearing what was believed to be a security guard uniform. Stock owned a security company.
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.
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.
DJ Warras’ family said in a message on Wednesday 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.”