DJ Warras Murder Case | Family disappointed as defence questions state’s evidence

The family of slain media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has expressed disappointment following another brief court appearance by the suspect linked to his murder.

Victor Majola appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where proceedings lasted only a few minutes after the court confirmed his residential address.

The 44-year-old faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with DJ Warras’ killing. His second appearance was largely administrative.

Majola appeared in court still limping, after previously alleging that he was assaulted during his arrest. He told the court that he only received medical treatment a day before the hearing.

Meanwhile, the Stock family says DJ Warras’ absence was deeply felt over the festive season, describing the loss as painful and increasingly real.

“We all missed him, the boys as well (his children) we feel it, it’s real. It’s now becoming more real. The void is real and the only thing that can actually fill that void is prayer, is God. Hence we reached out to a nation to roar with us in prayer, to stand with us in solidarity. I think that’s important because right now we need God,” Nicole said. “We need Christ, we need love, we need support, anger, and revenge is not going to get us to where we need to be. We need to all just trust the process that’s taking place right now. That’s all I can say.”

In a separate development, the defence has questioned the strength of the State’s case, arguing that there is no solid evidence directly linking Majola to the crime.

Majola’s lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda, told the media his client maintains his innocence and has instructed him to extend condolences to the Stock family.

Mabunda claims the prosecution’s case relies heavily on a statement from a former co-accused, which he says was later retracted.

“We are of the view and we are convinced that the state has no prima facie case against this particular accused. The accused before the court is facing a charge of premeditated murder, we all know that if someone is charged with premeditated murder, it means that there was prior planning. So what we know is that when this matter was placed on the court roll from the beginning, the state actually struggled to place this matter on the court roll due to lack of evidence. They took almost five hours or so discussing the matter with the prosecution to gather evidence to actually place this matter on record.”

He further alleged that police were under pressure to make an arrest, claiming investigations were incomplete at the time.

“Remember when one says on a Saturday that will arrest a suspect on a Monday, it means therefore they are already under pressure to arrest. At all costs, they arrested somebody,” Mabunda added.

Majola is facing a Schedule 6 offence, meaning the defence will be required to prove exceptional circumstances for bail to be granted.

As public interest in the case continues to grow, the Stock family has urged South Africans to avoid speculation and allow the justice system to run its course.

Nicole Stock reiterated that the accused remains innocent until proven guilty, adding that while the court appearance was shorter than expected, the family respects the legal process.

She also raised concerns about gun violence, saying the loss of public figures leaves lasting scars in communities, but warned that blame and finger-pointing will not deliver justice.

The matter is set to return to court on 13 January, when arguments for and against bail are expected to be heard.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe