Family mourns DJ Warras after fatal shooting

The family of former Y DJ and media personality, Warras, is reeling after he was fatally shot in Johannesburg’s CBD on Tuesday.

The 40-year-old, whose real name was Warrick Stock, was gunned down as he left a building he allegedly owned and headed to his vehicle. Police say an unknown suspect opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for three suspects who remain at large, while the motive behind the killing is still under investigation.

Shock and disbelief gripped the CBD as Stock’s body lay on the pavement opposite the Carlton Centre. Residents and street vendors looked on as police cordoned off the area following the deadly shooting.

Investigators say Stock attempted to flee after being approached by the suspects. Although he was reportedly carrying a firearm, he collapsed after being shot.

CCTV footage shows the alleged shooter as a short African male with dreadlocks, wearing a navy-blue security uniform. Two additional suspects were also captured on camera.

Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner, Fred Kekana, said preliminary investigations point to a possible dispute linked to the building allegedly owned by Stock, where some occupants were reportedly not paying rent.

“Police are investigating, we managed to get the video footage. The teams, our intelligence, our provincial detectives tracking team are busy tracking and following up where the people might have escaped to or might have been seated.”

The family has made a heartfelt plea to the public to stop circulating graphic images of the incident on social media, asking for privacy as they grieve and to protect Stock’s children.

His sister, Nicole Stock-Mbatha, described the devastation facing the family and called for unity and respect during this difficult time.

Stock-Mbatha described her brother as a selfless individual whose life and work touched many people in South Africa and beyond. She also urged the public to remember his positive impact rather than the tragedy of his death.

Police say their priority remains the arrest of the three suspects captured on CCTV and the tracing of the firearm used in the shooting. All aspects related to the property, including ownership and possible rental disputes, will form part of the investigation.

Colleagues and friends continue to mourn Stock’s sudden passing. Close friend and podcast co-host DJ PH described him as a vibrant and talented personality whose energy lit up any room.

DJ PH remembered Warras not just as a colleague, but as family — a loving father, loyal friend, and strategic businessman involved in ventures including security and podcasting.

“All of the events that I did, he did the security for me. Great mind, strategic mind, it is hard to speak about this guy that he’s not here, you know. But again, an amazing, amazing father one of the most caring guys. He would do anything for his kids,” DJ PH said. “Great businessman it’s hard to speak about him that he’s not here, but we are going to miss him. The family is still shocked. Everyone is still shocked. It’s a tough one to swallow.”

He added that the reality of losing him has not yet sunk in, especially since they had spoken just hours earlier and had recently recorded a podcast episode together.

 

The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but police have confirmed that the suspects are being actively pursued.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe