Friends, family, and media personalities paid tribute to Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock at his memorial in Sandton on Friday, days after his fatal shooting in Johannesburg's CBD. Close friend Penuel Mlotshwa demanded justice, son Ethan vowed to uphold his legacy, while Durban activists protested crime linked to hijacked buildings.
Following the fatal shooting of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, 40, outside a Johannesburg CBD building on December 16—where he provided security services—hundreds gathered for his memorial in Sandton on Friday.
Podcast host and friend Penuel Mlotshwa eulogized Stock as an activist, socialist thinker, and businessman beyond his DJ and media fame. "Warras became famous as a music DJ... but today we say goodbye to him as an activist... incredibly intelligent, perceptive, curious," Mlotshwa said. He praised Stock's anti-corruption stance and bravery, calling him a "real-life superhero." Mlotshwa ended: "Rest in peace... I hope there will be justice for your brutal exit."
Son Ethan感動ed attendees: "My father was my hero, rock and foundation... His legacy will live through me and my little brothers."
Media peers spoke too: SABC’s Dichaba Phalatsi recalled Stock's vibrant personality on Live AMP, and Sizwe Dlomo lauded his unifying efforts without seeking credit.
Meanwhile, the March to March Movement protested at Durban City Hall, demanding a state of emergency on crime, including overcrowded hijacked buildings. Leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma linked it to government failures: "There’s 50,000 people living in a building that’s supposed to have 10,000."
Stock's funeral is set for Tuesday, with cremation Wednesday in Johannesburg.
