Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, was fatally shot in Johannesburg's central business district on December 16, marking another killing in Gauteng linked to the entertainment and private security sectors. His sister expressed profound shock at the scene, describing him as a brave voice for many. The incident follows a pattern of targeted murders amid an ongoing law enforcement scandal.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was killed in a shooting on Commissioner Street in Johannesburg's CBD during the afternoon of Tuesday, December 16. This event adds to a series of violent incidents in Gauteng targeting figures in the entertainment industry and private security, some connected to a broader law enforcement scandal involving alleged drug cartel infiltration.
Stock's sister, Nicole, spoke to SABC News from the scene, still reeling from the loss. "I’m still in shock; I haven’t processed it officially. I’ve just touched his body, it’s still warm," she said. "Ja, I don’t actually have words. I don’t know what to say. I’m broken, I’m shattered because we know he was a voice for many people around the country and even around the world. You know, he spoke out bravely about so many issues that not many people will speak about. It’s truly a tremendous loss not only to us as a family, but to a nation as well." She described her brother as "a good guy" and urged the public to remove circulating images and videos from social media.
Businessman Rob Hersov mourned Stock as his "friend" and "brother." Stock, who grew up in rural KwaZulu-Natal with his grandparents, had a background in broadcasting, including as a radio presenter at 5FM. He also ran JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a company providing security for high-profile events.
The killing occurred just 11 days after private security director Marius van der Merwe was shot dead outside his home in Brakpan on December 5. Van der Merwe, a former Ekurhuleni metro police officer, had testified at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry about a 2022 cover-up involving torture and murder, and was investigating illicit mining at the time of his death.
Both deaths tie loosely to the law enforcement scandal, centered on the Big Five drug cartel, accused of infiltrating South Africa's criminal justice system, politics, and private security. The scandal emerged in July with allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Suspects include Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and Katiso “KT” Molefe, linked to murders via high-calibre rifles.
Previous victims include DJ Sumbody, killed in November 2022, and DJ Vintos in March 2022. These killings are allegedly connected to a 2021 theft of 541kg of cocaine worth R200 million from Hawks offices in Port Shepstone, believed to have fueled violence in Johannesburg. The motive for Stock's murder remains unclear.