Condolences have been pouring in from across South Africa following the killing of popular media personality and club DJ Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, who was shot dead in Johannesburg’s central business district on Monday, 16 December.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the DJ and businessman was approached by three armed suspects, one of whom opened fire before the attackers fled the scene on foot. Investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been announced at this stage.
The killing has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and public figures, who have renewed calls for decisive action against violent crime.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader Mmusi Maimane condemned the attack, urging police to act swiftly to bring those responsible to justice.
“The brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a true shock to all South Africans,” Maimane wrote on X. “I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans in this difficult time. We have lost one of the most outspoken and patriotic young South Africans, a voice for many in this country.”
Former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament and radio host Mbuyiseni Ndlozi described the killing as symptomatic of South Africa’s broader struggle with violent crime.
“Our heartfelt condolences, especially to his family. May his soul rest in peace, and may his killers be brought to swift justice,” Ndlozi said. “We need to silence the guns and win the streets back in our troubled country.”
In a statement, the Stock family said the senseless nature of Warrick’s death had left them devastated and struggling to come to terms with their loss.
“A devoted son, a loving and proud father, a cherished brother and uncle, Warrick (40) was the heart and anchor of his family,” the statement read. “Affectionately known as DJ Warras, also known as ‘The Shady Lurker’, he brought light, laughter and strength into every space he occupied.”
The family added that his influence extended well beyond his home, noting that he was deeply loved within South Africa’s entertainment and media community. Warrick Stock is survived by his three young children, his mother and his siblings.
Crime Context: Violence in South Africa
The killing comes against a backdrop of persistently high levels of violent crime in South Africa. National crime data shows that, although there have been some recent decreases in specific categories, murder rates remain alarmingly high.
Between October and December 2024, police recorded over 6 900 murders nationwide, even as this marked nearly a 10 % reduction compared to the same period the previous year. On average, more than 75 people were murdered daily during that period, with firearms and knives among the most commonly used weapons.
Earlier statistics covering the first quarter of 2025 show a continued downward trend in murder cases, with approximately 5 700 murders reported, representing a decrease from prior years. Yet critics note that despite these reductions, the overall level of violent crime remains a daily reality for many South Africans.
Gauteng — South Africa’s most populous province and home to Johannesburg, along with KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, consistently contributes the highest numbers of recorded murders, reflecting ongoing urban safety challenges
