By Thapelo Molefe
Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero has condemned the fatal shooting of media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, describing the killing as “brutal and senseless” and calling for justice as police investigate the circumstances surrounding his death in the city’s central business district.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Morero said the killing had “profoundly impacted Johannesburg and the nation”, describing DJ Warras as a respected media figure, activist and businessman who was passionate about the revitalisation of the inner city.
“His departure leaves an irreplaceable void, touching not only his family and loved ones but also all who admired his bravery and dedication to revitalising the inner city,” Morero said, extending condolences to Stock’s family, friends and colleagues.
According to News24, Stock was born and raised in Vryheid in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where he grew up on a farm with his grandparents.
He said the experience instilled humility and discipline, and enabled him to learn isiZulu.
He entered radio at YFM after being recruited by then programmes manager Vukile Zondi, and trained under DJs including DJ Monde.
Stock later became known as “The Shady Lurker,” a nickname coined by friends.
He described himself as a father and media professional who stayed grounded by living within his means.
Morero urged that the law be allowed to take its course and appealed for privacy for the family while law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough investigation.
Stock was shot and killed shortly afternoon on Tuesday, outside Zambezi House in the Johannesburg CBD, opposite the Carlton Centre.
Gauteng acting provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed that Stock was approached by suspects as he exited the building and was shot at close range.
Video footage from the scene shows a man approaching Stock and opening fire before attempting to flee.
Spent cartridges were found at the scene.
Police have confirmed that the incident was not a drive-by shooting. Footage also shows a second individual, dressed in a security-style uniform, seated near Stock’s vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Police are actively searching for the suspects and the firearm used in the killing.
The City of Johannesburg has since clarified Stock’s role at the building, amid speculation following the incident.
According to the City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, DJ Warras was neither the owner of the Zambezi Building nor acting on behalf of the City of Johannesburg at the time of his death.
“The city confirms that DJ Warras was not in the company of the owner of the Zambezi Building and had no contract with the city,” said the department’s spokeperson Rhulani Mgwambane.
Tshwaku said preliminary information suggests that Stock was at the building in a private capacity linked to his security business.
He explained that Stock’s private company, Imperium Security, had previously been operating at the building and that Stock had been visiting the site regularly.
On the day of the shooting, Stock was allegedly accompanying another private security company that was assessing the building for the installation of biometric access systems when he was ambushed.
The Zambezi Building is believed to be a hijacked property housing approximately 250 occupants, with reports indicating that about half of the residents do not pay rent. Some occupants are alleged to be living there illegally.
Tshwaku stressed that Stock was not involved in any city-sanctioned eviction processes.
“If you want to evict occupants from a building, you must obtain a court order, and that process is led by SAPS in a joint operation. The city does not contract private companies to carry out evictions,” he said.
Authorities are investigating whether the killing may be linked to disputes around hijacked buildings in the inner city.
Tshwaku described such disputes as ongoing and often violent conflicts over control of properties, cautioning that the motive for the killing has not yet been confirmed.
Police said investigations are continuing and that further details, including a confirmed motive, will be communicated once verified.
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