DJ Warras murder case | Suspect considers guilty plea amid custody and immigration concerns

The second suspect in the murder of media personality, Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has indicated his intention to plead guilty, as concerns around his safety in custody and legal status in South Africa dominated proceedings today.

Armindo Pacula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where his lawyers confirmed that discussions are under way with the state regarding a possible plea agreement, following an alleged full confession to police.

Pacula who is accused of fatally shooting the former Y DJ outside a hijacked building in Johannesburg’s CBD in December last year, was arrested on 30 January at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, Germiston.

He faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder relating to Stock’s killing, as well as a charge of contravening South Africa’s Immigration Act.

During proceedings, the defence confirmed that Pacula has abandoned his bail application and is considering formally entering into a plea agreement, although negotiations remain at an early stage.

The state, however, raised concerns about Pacula’s residential address, telling the court that officials were unable to verify it after failing to locate him at an informal settlement in Germiston.

Prosecutors also questioned his legal status, confirming that the identity document submitted by Pacula is not a South African ID, raising the possibility that he may be in the country illegally.

Pacula further asked the court to intervene over his conditions in custody, claiming he fears for his life at Sun City Prison, where he is currently being held. Through his lawyer, he requested to be transferred to Modderbee Correctional Centre.

The state did not oppose the request, confirming that arrangements for Pacula’s transfer have already been made.

Meanwhile, Mozambique’s Consulate General in Johannesburg attended Pacula’s court appearance for the first time.

Consul General Guilherme Tamele extended condolences to DJ Warras’ family and stressed that Mozambique respects South Africa’s judicial processes.

Tamele acknowledged that Pacula is in South Africa illegally, but cautioned against using the case to stigmatise the broader Mozambican community living lawfully in the country.

He stressed that criminal conduct should not be linked to nationality and that the courts must be allowed to determine guilt without political or diplomatic interference.

The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, when Pacula is expected to appear alongside the alleged mastermind, Victor Majola.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe