JOHANNESBURG – The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has sentenced a 25-year-old Mozambican national to an effective 25 years behind bars for the brutal contract killing of beloved media personality and broadcaster Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock. The sentencing, handed down on Friday, 7 August 2026, marks the first major conviction in a case that has exposed the dark underbelly of building hijackings and hired hits in the Johannesburg CBD.
Joaquim Armando Pacula pleaded guilty to a string of charges, including murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and contravening the Immigration Act. In a chilling confession that formed part of a Section 105A plea and sentence agreement, Pacula admitted that he was paid a mere R25,000 to end the life of the 40-year-old television star and businessman.
The Day the Music Stopped
The fatal incident occurred on the afternoon of 16 December 2025, a day usually reserved for the celebration of reconciliation. Instead, it became a day of mourning for the South African entertainment industry. DJ Warras, a father of three and a household name known for his infectious energy on SABC1’s Live Amp and radio stations YFM and 5FM, was gunned down in broad daylight.
At the time of his death, Stock was not behind a microphone but was carrying out security-related work outside the Zambesi building in the Johannesburg city centre. Investigators revealed that he was in the process of installing security cameras at the property—a building that had become the centre of a violent "power struggle" involving hijacking syndicates.
Witnesses described how Stock was approached by at least three men before one of them—now identified as Pacula—opened fire at close range. The hitman fled the scene, leaving one of South Africa’s most versatile broadcasters dead on the pavement.
A "Wicked" Price for a Household Name
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the 25-year sentence was reached after extensive consultation with the Stock family. NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole stated that the conviction was a testament to the state’s determination to tackle organized crime and the scourge of contract killings.
“Pacula admitted that he shot and killed Stock in exchange for R25,000,” Mohlatlole said. “The conviction and sentence demonstrate the NPA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crime and holding perpetrators accountable.”
While Pacula received varying sentences for the firearm, ammunition, and immigration charges, the court ordered that they run concurrently with the 25-year murder sentence. For many fans and colleagues, however, the R25,000 price tag placed on Stock’s life remains the most shocking aspect of the case.
A Legacy Cut Short
Warrick Stock’s career was a masterclass in media versatility. He rose to fame at YFM before moving to 5FM, where he hosted The 5th Element. His transition to television was equally successful, co-hosting the iconic music show Live Amp and appearing in lifestyle programmes like The Man Cave and the travel show NgiceliVisa.
Beyond his celebrity status, Stock was a dedicated businessman who had increasingly moved into the property and security sectors. It was this involvement in the volatile Johannesburg property market that ultimately placed him in the crosshairs of a syndicate willing to kill to protect its interests in a hijacked building.
His death in late 2025 prompted a massive outpouring of grief from the industry. Colleagues described him as "one of the best" in the business, a mentor to many, and a man who was always looking for his next big challenge.
The Search for the Masterminds
While Pacula is now headed to prison, the legal battle is far from over. The state is still pursuing co-accused Victor Majola, whose case has been postponed to 17 August 2026 for a pre-trial conference. Investigators are also still working to identify the individuals who commissioned the hit and provided the R25,000 payment.
The Stock family has remained relatively quiet during the legal proceedings, seeking to protect their privacy as they navigate the loss of a son, brother, and father. His sister, Nikki Stock, briefly acknowledged the sentencing on Friday but stated that a full family statement would be issued in due course.
For the residents of Johannesburg, the case serves as a somber reminder of the lawlessness that often pervades the inner city’s hijacked buildings. For the fans of DJ Warras, it is a tragic end to a life that brought so much joy to the airwaves.
As Pacula begins his 25-year term, the focus now shifts to the remaining suspects, as the NPA vows not to rest until everyone involved in the "wicked scheme" to silence DJ Warras is brought to justice.
