Tech analyst and writer with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and emerging technologies.
A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a nation struggling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was attacked in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Police said the 40-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before escaping on foot.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, according to authorities.
Police said that Stock was ambushed as he was exiting a premises near the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the property supervising the setup of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by unidentified individuals, it was reported.
"Authorities believe the victim was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," an official report said.
CCTV footage reportedly captured a individual with dreadlocks and dressed in what resembled a protective services outfit firing shots on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but fell down on the opposite side of the road.
It was further revealed that Stock had an weapon on his person and nothing was taken during the assault.
Important clues, like cartridges, were recovered from the scene.
Authorities have requested members of the public who may have have information to assist with the investigation.
"We know they covered significant ground after the attack, and investigators have been following their trail to determine their destination," added an official.
His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
"I am devastated. I cannot express the pain," she stated.
"We know he was a champion for numerous individuals. He addressed issues courageously about topics not many people were prepared to discuss. This is a profound tragedy."
She urged the community to avoid sharing explicit content from the scene, explaining this was an extremely painful time, above all for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a popular local digital satellite entertainment channel.
Beyond his media career, Stock was engaged in various business ventures, including security provision, supplying VIP protection services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in property management and participated in tenant removals.
His death has caused national trauma and prompted an flood of condolences from his audience, the government and political parties.
A cabinet official remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my decisions as a public official. He was a shining model of who we should be," the minister added.
A political leader commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".
A industry leader said that "DJ Warras was more than just a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a true devotee of sound and a generous spirit who brought happiness and vitality to every appearance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the channel he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, warmth and quick humor, adding that his legacy "will live on".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, exacerbated by robberies and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens killed each day between April and September, according to government figures.
Tech analyst and writer with over a decade of experience in digital transformation and emerging technologies.