The killing of popular DJ and security boss Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock in Johannesburg’s CBD is increasingly being described as a planned hit, as chilling new details emerge about the moments before and after he was shot dead outside a hijacked building.
Stock, 40, was gunned down outside the hijacked Zambezi Building, at the corner of Von Wielligh and Commissioner streets, in what is believed to be a hit linked to escalating disputes around the building. He died after being shot multiple times in the upper body.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the dreadlocked gunman who allegedly pulled the trigger brazenly returned to the crime scene twice, blending in with bystanders as Stock’s body lay on the ground.
“He returned wearing blue overall suits and stood with bystanders,” one eyewitness told News24.
Another witness said the same man even stood close to journalists when they arrived at the scene.
“He will be arrested. We were afraid to point him out to the police because we didn’t know if he was still armed. But we eventually told police. He returned twice and pretended to be an onlooker while the victim’s body was still lying there. He is evil and must be arrested,” the witness said.
According to Gauteng deputy police commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana, police are searching for a suspect seen wearing short pants. Witnesses allege this was the same man who opened fire on Stock.
One eyewitness described how the hit unfolded. They said one of the shooter’s accomplices arrived earlier on Tuesday morning and loitered outside the building.
“He repeatedly bought cigarettes while waiting for the victim to arrive. When Stock arrived, the dreadlocked shooter appeared,” the witness said.
As Stock exited the building and walked towards his car, the gunman allegedly pulled out a pistol and opened fire.
“[DJ Warras] tried to pull out his firearm from his waist but lost control and fell. The shooter tried to fire another shot while he was on the ground, but the gun jammed. He then fled along Polly Street,” the witness said.
An insider close to the police investigation told News24 that Stock had obtained a protection order on 21 November on behalf of himself, his employees and his company, Imperium Ops International. The order related to the Zambezi Building, which was allegedly hijacked by two women believed to be ringleaders in the illegal occupation and renting out of rooms in CBD buildings. Their identities are known to News24.
“We believe Stock could have been mistaken for the owner of the building. They didn’t know he was there to oversee his security guards. On the day he was killed, Stock was about to install biometric access to prevent hijackers from entering the building. They didn’t know he had been hired by the owners,” the insider said.
In the protection order seen by News24, Stock detailed repeated threats made against him and his staff.
“The respondent has issued explicit threats of violence and threats to burn security personnel,” Stock stated in the court papers.
He said the threats were made between 16 and 17 November by the alleged ringleaders, accompanied by unknown men.
“These threats indicate a credible and immediate risk to the life and physical safety of security staff and management. The respondent has acted in a manner and enlisted the help of unknown individuals when the threats were made, suggesting the real likelihood of malicious damage to property given the nature and intensity of the threats,” the document read.
Stock also asked that the South African Police Service disarm the respondents of any firearms, knives or axes.
Johannesburg Community Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku confirmed he was aware that Stock had obtained a protection order against individuals linked to a group opposing the payment of municipal services at the building.
“They were allegedly intimidating Stock and his security guards,” he said.
Tshwaku added that the pattern seen in hijacked buildings was often the same.
“A group of people opposed to paying for services forms a committee and diverts rent and other payments to themselves. In some cases, building owners are murdered. It is very rare for building hijackers to kill security guards.”
Stock’s family described his killing as a senseless act of violence that has left them devastated. In a statement, they said they were struggling to imagine life without him.
“A devoted son, a loving and proud father, a cherished brother and uncle, Warrick was the heart and anchor of his family,” the statement read.
Affectionately known as DJ Warras, and also as The Shady Lurker, his family said he brought light, laughter and strength into every space he occupied.
Stock leaves behind his three young children, his mother and his siblings. The family asked for privacy as they mourn and urged that police be given space to carry out a thorough investigation.
“The Stock family extends heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, messages of support and condolences received. Your kindness has brought moments of comfort during an incredibly dark time,” the statement said.
Police confirmed that the suspects, who were captured on CCTV cameras, are still being sought.
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