Former 5FM DJ and CliffCentral producer Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was shot dead execution-style in Johannesburg’s CBD on Tuesday afternoon in what investigators believe was a targeted hit linked to a disputed inner-city building eviction.
Stock, 40, was gunned down near Zambezi House, close to the Carlton Centre, after being lured out of the building where he had been assisting with the enforcement of a court-ordered eviction against illegal tenants. Sources said he had been inside the building since early morning alongside the building’s supervisor after his recently launched private security company was contracted to help secure the property.
Zambezi House accommodates about 200 residents, with roughly half reportedly not paying rent, placing it firmly at the centre of Johannesburg’s hijacked-building crisis.
According to sources close to the investigation, Stock received a phone call shortly before the shooting, asking him to come downstairs. Moments after exiting the building and approaching his car, he was confronted by three men. One of them was armed and shot him at close range before the group fled the scene.
Police sources confirmed that Stock’s firearm, wallet and cellphone were not taken, raising further questions about the motive behind the killing.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the motive for the shooting was still unknown. None of the three suspects involved had been arrested.
Stock’s murder has again drawn attention to the dangers linked to reclaiming hijacked buildings in Johannesburg, where criminal syndicates are known to operate with precision and force.
Johannesburg Human Settlements MMC Mlungisi Mabaso said he was not aware of the specific circumstances surrounding Stock’s death but warned that dealing with hijacked buildings in the CBD was extremely dangerous.
“These are criminals who are well-resourced and very strategic,” he said. “You can’t go there unplanned and unarmed. You must ensure adequate security because you are dealing with faceless people you don’t know — only the runners of these syndicates will engage with you directly.”
According to Mabaso, syndicates controlling hijacked properties “know all the corners, the system, and they know how to attack”.
“Many of these buildings are also illegally connected to utilities, generating revenue for criminal operators while leaving authorities to respond to emergencies or disasters,” he said.
As tributes poured in, Stock’s sister, Nicole, who was among those gathered at the scene, said the family was devastated by his death. She described her brother as generous and selfless, with a strong presence in the community.
“I’m shattered because we know he was a voice for many people around the country and even around the world,” she said.
She told News24 that their mother was completely and utterly devastated by the news.
“He was a good guy, and everybody knows that,” Nicole said. “He spoke out bravely about so many issues that not many people will speak about. It’s truly a tremendous loss, not only to us as a family, but to a nation as well.”
Stock was well known for his outspoken views and often made controversial comments on social and political issues. He also hosted the reality show Ngicel’iVisa on Mzansi Magic.
“He found the humour in the diversity of who we are as a nation. There were no boundaries or barriers when it came to Warrick and people,” Nicole said.
About six months ago, Stock launched his own private security company and had since been involved in securing several CBD buildings against hijackings. Before that, he worked in stadium and event security, including at major venues such as FNB Stadium, while continuing to grow his media career as a DJ, podcaster and producer.
His killing has once again highlighted the risks faced by those operating in Johannesburg’s inner city, particularly in efforts to reclaim buildings from criminal control.
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