Warras murder has sent shockwaves across Johannesburg after well-known DJ and media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock was shot and killed in broad daylight near the Carlton Centre on Tuesday afternoon. The fatal shooting, which occurred in one of the city’s busiest commercial zones, has reignited national concern over violent crime in Johannesburg’s central business district and the growing threat posed by hijacked buildings.
Stock was pronounced dead at the scene despite a rapid response from emergency services. His killing has drawn widespread public reaction, industry tributes, and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement efforts in the inner city.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS), the shooting took place shortly after midday as Stock arrived in the area and parked his vehicle close to the Carlton Centre precinct.
Witnesses reported that multiple suspects approached him moments after he exited his car. Gunshots were fired at close range, causing panic among pedestrians and nearby workers. The attackers then fled the scene on foot, disappearing into surrounding streets before police could intercept them.
Spent cartridges were recovered at the scene, confirming that several shots had been fired.
SAPS confirmed that the case is being investigated as murder and that senior detectives have been assigned to the matter due to the high-profile nature of the victim.
Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings, traffic cameras, and private businesses to track the suspects’ movements before and after the shooting. Police have stated that while certain suspect descriptions are being followed up, no arrests have been made at this stage.
Authorities have urged the public not to circulate unverified images or speculate about motives, warning that misinformation could compromise the investigation.
Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, was a respected radio and television personality with a long career in South African media. He built a strong following through his work as a DJ, broadcaster, podcaster, and outspoken commentator on social issues.
Colleagues described him as fearless, passionate, and deeply invested in using media as a platform for accountability and change. His sudden death has left a significant void in the entertainment and broadcasting industry.
In a statement released through representatives, Stock’s family confirmed his death and expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from the public.
The family asked for privacy during their time of mourning and appealed for restraint as the investigation continues. They emphasized that speculation around the motive for the killing could be harmful and urged anyone with credible information to cooperate directly with police.
While SAPS has not officially confirmed a motive, the Warras murder has drawn attention to crime linked to hijacked buildings in Johannesburg’s CBD.
Hijacked buildings—often illegally occupied and controlled by criminal networks—have long been associated with violent crime, extortion, and drug activity. Several such buildings are located near the Carlton Centre precinct, complicating policing efforts in the area.
Sources close to the investigation have indicated that this angle is being explored alongside other possibilities, including targeted violence rather than random crime.
The killing sparked immediate reaction across social media, with fans, fellow DJs, and journalists expressing shock and grief. Many described Stock as a voice unafraid to challenge criminality and corruption.
Political leaders and civic figures also condemned the shooting, calling it a stark reminder of the dangers facing residents and workers in the city centre. Several renewed calls for tougher action against organized crime operating from hijacked buildings.
The Warras murder has intensified debate around safety in Johannesburg’s inner city. Business owners and residents have repeatedly warned about the impact of lawlessness, abandoned infrastructure, and insufficient policing.
Urban safety experts note that crimes committed in high-traffic public areas undermine confidence in the city and discourage economic activity, particularly when attacks occur in daylight.
Police say the investigation remains active and that more information will be released as soon as suspects are identified or arrests are made.
SAPS has reiterated its appeal to anyone with information, CCTV footage, or eyewitness accounts to come forward, stressing that public cooperation is critical to securing justice.
The Warras murder has become more than a tragic loss of a popular media figure; it has emerged as a symbol of Johannesburg’s ongoing struggle with violent crime in its urban core. As investigators work to uncover the motive and identify those responsible, the killing has renewed urgent calls for decisive action against criminal networks operating within hijacked buildings. For many South Africans, justice for Warrick Stock will be closely watched as a test of the city’s ability to reclaim safety in its most vulnerable areas.
