Family cleans crime scene as Johannesburg mourns DJ Warras

Family members used bottles of water to wash the pavement where Warrick Stock, also known as DJ Warras, was shot dead in Johannesburg’s CBD on Tuesday afternoon, quietly trying to restore a measure of dignity at a scene that had held them for hours.

The shooting took place opposite the Carlton Centre, on the corner of Von Wielligh and Commissioner Street, after the well-known DJ and media personality parked his vehicle.

According to Johannesburg Central SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the victim was approached by three unknown suspects who opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot.

“The motive for the shooting is currently unknown. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is underway,” Sibeko said.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) superintendent Xolani Fihla confirmed that JMPD officers were the first responders after being stopped by members of the public who alerted them to the shooting.

“We can confirm the shooting. Any finer details, including the identity of the victim, will be released by the police,” Fihla said.

Family members and friends remained at the scene for several hours as police and forensic services carried out their work. Those present said they made efforts to leave the area but were asked to wait until the pathology service van had departed. The body was removed later in the afternoon, shortly after 4pm, after the scene was finally cleared.

As the cordon lifted, relatives comforted one another while cleaning the pavement where the incident occurred.

In a statement, Gauteng police confirmed that the victim was targeted after parking his vehicle opposite the Carlton Centre. A murder case has been opened, and police are searching for three suspects.

Speaking from the crime scene, the DJ’s sister, Nicole Stock, appealed for calm and respect.

“We have been here for a couple of hours and we don’t know what to say. We ask South Africans to please give the police space to complete their investigation,” she said.

She also urged the public to focus on who her brother was, rather than speculation around his death.

“He spoke up about many issues, including controversial ones, but let us not focus on the negative. He was a good guy, selfless, and he loved everybody. He found humour in things and believed there should be no division in who we are as South Africans.”

Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry, with fellow DJ PH describing him as “full of energy” and “a solid gent”.

“He was a loving father, worked at YFM and 5FM, and had been podcasting for the last two years. He had a great strategic mind and was involved in several ventures, including security. It’s hard to speak about him in the past,” he said.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also reacted to the killing, saying he was angry and saddened by the loss.

“Indeed, DJ Warras has been killed. He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He loved the Zulu language and Afrikaans. He was a pure example of who we should be,” McKenzie said.

DJ Warras was born in Durban and worked at various radio stations including YFM, 5FM and Gagazi FM.

Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward on 08600 10111.