South Africa is in shock following the killing of popular radio and club DJ Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, who was shot dead in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon, 16 December 2025.
Police confirmed that the 40-year-old DJ was attacked in the city centre near Zambesi House, close to the Carlton Centre. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), DJ Warras had just parked his car when three unknown suspects approached him and one of them opened fire before the group fled the scene on foot.
The motive for the shooting is still unclear, and no arrests have been made so far. 
Local police chief Fred Kekana said DJ Warras had spent several hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems. The building had reportedly been occupied by unknown individuals.
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The CCTV footage showed a suspect dressed like a security guard opening fire before running away.
DJ Warras tried to escape after he was shot but he collapsed across the street. Police said he had a licensed firearm on him, which was not used, and nothing was stolen during the attack. Cartridges were also found at the scene.
DJ Warras was a well-known radio and TV presenter, podcaster, and media personality in South Africa. He presented the reality TV show Ngicel’ iVisa, which aired on Mzansi Magic, and was known for speaking boldly about social issues.
Outside entertainment, he was also a businessman. He ran a private security company, worked in property management, and was involved in building evictions.
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A Disturbing Pattern
DJ Warras’ killing adds to a worrying trend in South Africa. Over the past five years, several DJs and MCs have been shot, many in what police describe as targeted attacks.
High-profile cases include:
- DJ Citi Lyts, killed in Soweto in February 2022
- DJ Vintos, shot dead weeks later outside a nightclub in March 2022
- DJ Sumbody, assassinated in Sandton in November 2022
- DJ Skinny Deep, killed in Soshanguve in January 2024
- Veteran MC Peter Mashata Mabuse, who also died after a performance in Soshanguve in April 2024
Artists and promoters have repeatedly raised concerns about organised attacks, with police in some cases pointing to business disputes or criminal syndicate activity.
His sister, Nicole Stock, said the family was struggling to come to terms with his death and have asked the public to stop sharing graphic images or videos, especially for the sake of his three sons.
Tributes are also pouring in from fans, industry figures, and political leaders.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
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