DJ Warras murder trial to be enrolled in High Court next month

The murder case of media personality, Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, has moved a step closer to trial, with the Johannesburg High Court postponing the matter to 24 July for a pre-trial conference ahead of its formal enrolment.

The postponement was granted on Wednesday after both the State and defence agreed that further preparations were needed before trial proceedings could begin.

Stock was shot and killed near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD on 16 December last year, in what investigators believe was a targeted hit.

During proceedings on Thursday, Judge William Karam, was informed that prosecutors would provide the defence with the remaining contents of the police docket, as well as proposed admissions, before the next court appearance.

“The State further indicated to the Court in Chambers that before close of business today, um, the docket content will be disclosed to Mr. Duplessis (legal aid representative for Pacula).”

The upcoming pre-trial conference is expected to allow both parties to finalise admissions and resolve outstanding issues before the matter is formally enrolled for trial.

Victor Majola, who the State alleges orchestrated the killing, and Armindo Pacula, accused of carrying out the fatal shooting, face charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

Both accused remain behind bars. Majola was previously denied bail after the court found that his release would not be in the interests of justice, while Pacula abandoned his bail application.

The case has been before the courts since Stock’s death, with investigators analysing cellphone records, financial transactions, call data and facial comparison evidence as part of the probe.

The matter returns to the Johannesburg High Court on 24 July.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe