A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a nation grappling with persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was attacked in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old media personality was accosted by three suspects, with one opened fire on him before escaping on foot.
The reason of the shooting is unknown and no one has been arrested have been made, police said.
Law enforcement said that Stock was ambushed as he was leaving a building close to the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the building managing the setup of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by squatters, it was reported.
"The report indicates the deceased was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they shot at him before fleeing the scene on foot," authorities confirmed.
Security camera video reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocks and wearing what looked like a protective services outfit opening fire on Stock before running away.
The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries across the street.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the incident.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the location.
Officials are asking members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.
"We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and police have been tracking them to establish their whereabouts," added an official.
His sister, a close relative, stated the family was struggling to process his death.
"Words fail me. I am shattered," were her words.
"It is clear he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about subjects not many people were prepared to tackle. This is a devastating blow."
She appealed to the citizens to avoid sharing explicit content from the scene, noting this was an extremely painful time, above all for Stock's young family.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that premiered on a South African broadcasting platform.
In addition to his media career, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including private security, supplying VIP protection services and protecting major functions across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in building administration and was involved in building evictions.
His murder has sent the nation reeling and led to an wave of remembrances from his fans, the authorities and political parties.
A cabinet official commented he was angry and saddened by Stock's killing.
"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my actions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," was his tribute.
A public representative commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director noted that "DJ Warras was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an lasting impression."
In a release, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, warmth and quick humor, adding that his memory "will be remembered".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated homicide statistics, fuelled by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily according to recent data, as per official statistics.
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Michael Hunter
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Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter