Alleged shooter in DJ Warras murder may plead guilty, lawyer reveals
Armindo Joaquim Pacula, a Mozambican national, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
The Mozambican national, who has been charged with the murder of Warrick ‘DJ Warras’ Stock may plead guilty to the crime and reveal the plot behind the assassination.
Stock was shot dead on December 16, 2025, as he exited a building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s central business district, when he was approached by suspects who opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The State alleges that Armindo Pacula, 25, who faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act, pulled the trigger.
Yesterday Pacula appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court where it was revealed that he was illegally in the country.
An address for an informal settlement in Germiston was checked out, but no one was found at the address.
Warrick "DJ Warras" Stock was gunned down in December.
Image: Instagram
“The identity document is Mozambican. So, as it stands, the accused is illegal in the country,” the State said.
Pacula’s defence lawyer stated his client had confirmed he was in the country illegally. He also said: “My client has indicated that there is a possibility of a plea in this matter”.
The defence stated he needed to have sight of the contents of the docket so he could consult with his client on what charges he wanted to plead guilty to.
His lawyer further asked the court not to send Pacula back to Sun City Prison in Johannesburg.
“He has informed me there are people there who killed his friend, and he is afraid he might be hurt,” the attorney said.
The first accused, Victor Majola, will be back in court on Wednesday.
Image: Pictures: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
The State said planning has already been put in place to move Pacula to Modderbee Correctional Centre in Benoni.
The matter has been postponed until Wednesday, February 11.
Pacula’s co-accused, Victor Mthethowakhe Majola Majola, who was denied bail on January 26, is due back in court on the same date.
He faces charges of murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.
During Majola's bail hearing it was revealed by the State that the murder may be related to a rental dispute.
According to the State, Stock's security company had been contracted to provide services at the Zambesi building.
Investigators allege that Majola, his girlfriend and others were illegally collecting rent from tenants and failing to pay it over to the rightful owner.
Stock and his business partner were later appointed to assist with managing the property, a move that angered those allegedly involved in illegal rent collection. Threats were made against Stock and he had taken out protection orders including against Majola's girlfriend.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY