Majola loses lawyer as DJ Warras murder trial faces further delay

Alleged murder mastermind, Victor Majola, is without legal representation after his lawyer withdrew from the DJ Warras murder case, despite a six-week postponement intended to give him time to secure funding for his defence.

Advocate, Piet Du Plessis, told the Johannesburg High Court on Friday that he was no longer in a position to represent Majola at trial.

“I am not in a position to continue to reserve myself on trial. I’ve explained it to Mr. Majola, accused 2 now. He understands the position.”

The development has again delayed efforts to get the matter trial-ready, with the State telling the court that it has already taken steps to prepare for trial and provided admissions to the defence.

State prosecutor, Namika Kowlas, said the State was only informed ahead of proceedings on Friday that there was no funding for Du Plessis to continue representing Majola.

She also questioned why Majola required further time to consult his family about funding after being given several weeks to resolve the issue.

“I must indicate that the State is ready to proceed with the pretrial. We’ve given admissions of, I think, in July already, to him in respect of his matter.”

Judge William Karam has now given Majola what the court described as a final opportunity to resolve his legal representation.

The court has also granted Du Plessis leave to withdraw from the matter.

Majola must now either secure private legal representation or approach Legal Aid South Africa for assistance.

The father of 12 is facing charges relating to the fatal shooting of, Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, in the Johannesburg CBD in December last year.

The judge said the further opportunity was also being granted in the context of accused number one, Hlengiwe Buthelezi, making her first appearance in the High Court.

Buthelezi has been charged with premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the killing of DJ Warras. The State alleges she leaked personal and vehicle-tracking information that was used to orchestrate the shooting, amid a property dispute.

Meanwhile, the alleged gunman, Armando Pacula, has already pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment.

The 25-year-old Mozambican national pleaded guilty to murdering Stock, as well as firearm, ammunition and Immigration Act charges, following a Section 105A plea-and-sentence agreement with the State.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Pacula admitted to shooting the media personality outside the Zambesi Building in the Johannesburg CBD on 16 December 2025 in exchange for R25,000.

Majola, who is accused of masterminding the killing, is due back in court with Buthelezi on 8 October, when the issue of their legal representation is expected to be clarified.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe