Key Takeaways:
- DJ Warras, a popular South African DJ and nightlife personality, was shot and killed at the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD.
- The motive for the shooting is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made.
- DJ Warras’ death is part of a troubling trend of targeted attacks on DJs and MCs in South Africa over the past five years.
- The music community is grappling with uncertainty and grief, and authorities have urged the public to allow investigations to unfold.
- The incident has sparked concerns about criminal syndicate activity and the involvement of organised hitmen.
Introduction to the Incident
The South African music industry has been left reeling after the tragic death of DJ Warras, a popular DJ and nightlife personality, who was shot and killed at the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD on Tuesday, December 16. Businessman Rob Hersov identified the deceased as Warrick Stock, a former 5FM DJ and TV presenter. In a video circulating on social media, Hersov mourned the loss of his friend, describing him as a loving, compassionate, and decent human being. The news of DJ Warras’ death has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with many taking to social media to pay their tributes and express their condolences.
The Investigation
While official police details were still emerging at the time of publication, the footage and subsequent reporting confirm that DJ Warras was shot in broad daylight in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre. Police told Sunday World that they are investigating a murder case following the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old man in Johannesburg Central on Tuesday. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the victim was shot shortly after parking his vehicle in the Johannesburg CBD. According to police, the man was approached by three unknown suspects who opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made. The police have urged the public to allow investigations to unfold and have promised to release more information as soon as possible.
A Troubling Trend
DJ Warras’ shooting is part of a troubling trend that has been going on for the past five years, during which time a number of DJs and MCs have been shot—many of them fatally—in what police have frequently referred to as targeted attacks. The murder of DJ Citi Lyts (Sandile Mkhize) in Soweto in February 2022 was one of the most high-profile cases. Just weeks later, Soweto was again shaken by the killing of DJ Vintos, who was gunned down outside a nightclub. Amapiano heavyweight Oupa Johan Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody, was assassinated in a brazen attack in Sandton in November 2022, causing shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. The violence continued into 2024 when Pretoria-based DJ Skinny Deep (Duduetsang Gift Maluleka) was shot dead in Soshanguve in January of that year, while fellow entertainer DJ Vetty survived a separate shooting after leaving a gig in Tshwane.
Criminal Syndicate Activity
In several cases, police have suggested the involvement of organised hitmen, while motives have ranged from alleged business disputes to criminal syndicate activity. Artists and promoters have repeatedly raised concerns about what they describe as a pattern of targeted killings, often carried out with military-style precision. The music community is once again left grappling with uncertainty and grief, as another prominent name is added to a growing list of DJs whose lives have been violently taken away. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and security of DJs and MCs in South Africa, with many calling for increased protection and support for the entertainment industry.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the investigation into DJ Warras’ death continues, the music community is left to mourn the loss of another talented and beloved artist. The incident has highlighted the need for increased awareness and action to address the growing trend of violence against DJs and MCs in South Africa. The police have promised to release more information as soon as possible, and the public is urged to allow investigations to unfold. In the meantime, the music community will continue to come together to pay their tributes and support one another during this difficult time. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting safety and security in the entertainment industry and the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
