Gauteng police are appealing to the public for help in locating Hlengiwe Goodness Buthelezi, who is wanted in connection with the murder of popular DJ and media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock.
Buthelezi faces allegations of murder and attempted murder in a case that has already seen one accused convicted and sentenced, while the man accused of orchestrating the killing remains before the Johannesburg High Court.
Stock was shot and killed in the Johannesburg CBD on 16 December 2025. Police have now issued a public appeal for information that could help them find Buthelezi, who is 40 years old.
“Detectives attached to the provincial investigation unit for serious and violent crimes are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect…” said police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.
The appeal came as the High Court postponed the matter against Victor Majola, 44, to 18 September 2026 for further pre-trial proceedings.
Majola faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He has not pleaded guilty to the allegations and remains presumed innocent unless convicted.
Police Search For
Buthelezi is the third person police are pursuing in connection with the killing. Her alleged role in the case has previously emerged during proceedings against Majola.
Police have not disclosed where they believe she may be staying. Members of the public have been urged to provide information through official channels and not to approach or confront her themselves.
The case is being investigated by detectives attached to the provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit. The investigation remains active, and police may still be working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, the alleged planning behind it and the roles of the people linked to the matter.
Buthelezi’s alleged charges include murder and attempted murder. Another current account of the case refers to allegations of conspiracy to commit murder and murder. The exact charges will be determined through the court process.
She has not been convicted and should be treated as an accused person until the State proves its case in court.
What Happened To DJ Warras?
Stock was shot in the Johannesburg CBD on 16 December last year. The killing shocked fans and colleagues who knew him as DJ Warras, a recognisable figure in the entertainment and media space.
The State’s case is that the killing was planned rather than a random street crime. Majola is accused of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder, while Pacula was prosecuted as the alleged gunman who carried out the shooting.
Earlier evidence in the matter reportedly linked Stock’s personal information to Majola’s cellphone. Police also alleged that Stock had applied for a protection order before his death after threats involving people connected to the case.
Those allegations have not been finally tested against Majola in a trial. The defence is entitled to challenge the evidence, question witnesses and present its own version of events.
Pacula Sentenced To 25 Years
Mozambican national Armando Joaquim Pacula, 25, has already been convicted and sentenced in connection with Stock’s murder.
Pacula entered into a plea-and-sentence agreement with the State and received an effective 25-year prison sentence. Current court reporting states that he admitted to shooting Stock outside the Zambesi Building in the Johannesburg CBD in exchange for R25,000.
His conviction is separate from the pending case against Majola and the police investigation involving Buthelezi. Pacula’s plea agreement does not, by itself, determine the guilt of the other accused.
The State may rely on information from Pacula’s plea and related statements, but that evidence will still have to be dealt with through the proper legal process in Majola’s case.
Trial Postponed Over Legal Funding
Majola’s lawyer applied for the postponement because he needed to obtain financial instructions from his client and secure the funding required for the defence.
The defence indicated that the legal team needed more time before committing fully to a trial expected to run for several court days. The State opposed the postponement, arguing that the matter should proceed without unnecessary delay.
The court nevertheless granted a four-week postponement, with 18 September set as the next date for pre-trial proceedings. The postponement was described as final, meaning the defence is expected to use the additional time to resolve the outstanding legal arrangements.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the State remained committed to moving the matter forward while respecting Majola’s rights.
“The NPA remains committed to ensuring that matters are dealt with expeditiously and that justice is served without unnecessary delays, while also respecting the accused’s constitutional right to a fair trial”.
The postponement highlights the balance courts must maintain between the public interest in a swift prosecution and an accused person’s right to properly prepared legal representation.
A trial cannot fairly proceed if an accused does not have a legal team with sufficient instructions, time and resources to challenge the State’s case. At the same time, victims’ families and the public are entitled to expect that serious criminal cases will not be delayed without good reason.
Alleged Links To The Case
Buthelezi’s name reportedly surfaced during earlier proceedings involving Majola. Investigators have alleged that she was connected to an informal committee accused of unlawfully collecting rent from residents of a hijacked building.
The State has also alleged that she provided Stock’s photographs and other information to Majola. Stock had reportedly applied for a protection order before his death, although the full details of that application will have to be tested in court.
These claims remain allegations. They should not be treated as proof that Buthelezi was involved in the killing, and no conclusion can be drawn until she has had an opportunity to answer the charges.
The State’s case will have to establish what each accused allegedly did, whether there was an agreement to kill Stock and whether the evidence meets the standard required for a conviction.
Police Appeal For Information
Police are asking anyone with information about Buthelezi’s whereabouts to contact the investigating team or provide information through the official police reporting channels.
Members of the public should not attempt to detain her, follow her or confront anyone they believe may be connected to the case. Any information should be passed to the police so that trained investigators can assess it and act lawfully.
People who may have information can also contact Crime Stop or use the MySAPS application where appropriate. Information can be provided anonymously through official channels.
Police are expected to continue searching for Buthelezi while the court process against Majola proceeds.
What Happens Next?
Majola is expected back in the Johannesburg High Court on 18 September for further pre-trial proceedings. The hearing may address the readiness of the defence, the outstanding legal-funding issue and any remaining matters before the trial can begin.
The State will also continue preparing its case against Majola, while detectives work to locate Buthelezi and determine whether additional evidence or charges may follow.
For DJ Warras’ family, friends and supporters, the legal process has already been lengthy. Pacula’s conviction has provided one outcome in the case, but major questions about the alleged planning and the involvement of other suspects remain before the courts.
Majola remains an accused person, not a convicted murderer, and Buthelezi remains wanted but has not been convicted. The allegations against both must be tested through a fair trial.
The next major development is expected when the matter returns to the Johannesburg High Court in September.
