DJ Warras murder case | State to oppose bail for the alleged mastermind

The State has warned that releasing the man accused of orchestrating the murder of popular DJ and businessman Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, could undermine the investigation and endanger witnesses.

Victor Majola, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to apply for bail, where prosecutors alleged he ordered the hit and played a direct role in the events leading up to the fatal shooting outside the Zambesi House building in Johannesburg’s CBD, on December 16.

Investigating Officer Captain, Abe Montwedi, testified that the State’s case is supported by cellphone records, CCTV footage and witness testimony.

Montwedi told the court that the 44-year-old allegedly coordinated the attack and ensured it was carried out swiftly.

“The applicant, my worship, he’s the one that orchestrated everything and he made sure that the deceased is going to be shot on that day. And there are voice recordings from the lady’s phone, which he also took for downloading. The message says, ‘The guy that sent the message to the lady said, I heard that the police had just picked up Majola. Are they going to find any exhibit in the phone, the photos and the conversations?’ The lady responded by saying he deleted everything. That’s why we sent everything for downloading and the footage has also been sent for forensic. And then that’s how the applicant was arrested,” Montwedi elaborated.

According to Montwedi, Majola was allegedly present at the scene, waited with the gunman and pointed out the victim, as DJ Warras prepared to exit his vehicle — allegedly saying, “Nangu lo muntu” meaning “here he is.”

The court heard that CCTV footage allegedly places Majola with the shooter both before and after the murder, while cellphone data is said to show he had access to DJ Warras’ personal details and vehicle information. Montwedi further testified that Majola has no fixed address, that additional suspects are still being pursued, and that his release could lead to witness intimidation.

The bail proceedings also revealed an alleged motive linked to an illegal rent-collection scheme at the Zambesi Building. Montwedi testified that the matter dates back to 2018, after the death of the building’s former owner. The new owner reportedly became suspicious when monthly rental income dropped from more than R700,000 to just over R400,000.

DJ Warras’ security company, Imperium Ops, was subsequently appointed to install CCTV cameras and biometric access systems — measures the State says disrupted an alleged illegal operation involving Majola’s girlfriend, who was a tenant at the building. Investigators allege she threatened DJ Warras days before his murder.

The State further claimed that Majola and his girlfriend went into hiding in Morafe, Soweto, after the murder, fearing arrest. The court also heard that a video found on Majola’s phone, in which National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola speaks about imminent arrests, suggests the accused was closely monitoring developments in the case.

Montwedi also revealed that Majola’s girlfriend was one of six people that Stock had applied for protection orders against.

In opposing bail, Montwedi warned that Majola’s release could undermine public confidence in the justice system. He said the case is being closely watched and that granting bail could send the message that orchestrating a murder carries no serious consequences.

The State also raised serious concerns about the safety of its only eyewitness — a street vendor who was present at the scene and later identified Majola during an identification parade. Montwedi testified that police fear the witness could be killed if the accused is released.

“My eyewitness, who is around, still doing the very same business, he can be removed from the society or by killing him or what, but because he’s the only key witness that I have so far, who saw everything that happened, who even identified an applicant in a parade,” Montwedi explained. “And lastly, the community also will even lose trust in the police and the justice system. Seeing that the person that is orchestrating the murder or the crime is being released because we are looking for the main shooter. The main shooter will be arrested.”

The defence has rejected the State’s version, arguing there is no direct evidence linking Majola to the shooting. His lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda, told the court that Majola is a first-time offender, a breadwinner supporting 12 children, and that the case against him is speculative and riddled with inconsistencies. The defence also alleged Majola was assaulted by police during his arrest and maintains he poses no flight risk.

Proceedings have been postponed to Wednesday for further evidence to be presented, as investigations near completion and police indicate that arrests of the alleged shooters are imminent.

Majola faces charges of murder and premeditated murder following the fatal shooting.

“The investigation is about to be finalized. Everything has been forwarded to the forensic, photos, firearms and cartridges. So it’s going to speed up the case. And presently as I speak to the worship, I know who the shooter is, which I’m not going to give the name out. I will arrest him, even if it’s not soon, but definitely I’m going to arrest him,” said Montwedi.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe