DJ Warras Murder Probe: Three Suspects Under Investigation

Key Takeaways:

• Warrick Stock, also known as DJ Warras, was fatally shot in Johannesburg’s central business district on December 16, 2025.
• Police are investigating whether three suspects were involved in the shooting and are still determining the motive.
• Stock had obtained a protection order in November related to a hijacked building where he was involved with security.
• The killing is one of several recent shootings targeting the entertainment and private security sectors in Gauteng.
• Other DJs, including DJ Sumbody and DJ Vintos, have been fatally shot in the province in recent years.

Introduction to the Incident
Police investigators are looking into the fatal shooting of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, in Johannesburg’s central business district on December 16, 2025. Stock was a well-known figure in the entertainment industry and was also involved in private security. The shooting is the latest in a series of incidents targeting the entertainment and private security sectors in Gauteng. On the same day, a security company owner based in Polokwane was also murdered, with his cellular phones and laptop found in his vehicle after he was shot.

Background on the Victim
Stock had a background in the entertainment industry and was also involved in private security. He had obtained a protection order in November related to a hijacked building where he was involved with security. The protection order was allegedly related to threats he had received, and it is not clear why he was targeted. Mgcini Tshwaku, the City of Johannesburg’s public safety MMC, told the SABC that the City had previously contacted Stock to secure a building in Johannesburg, and he had frequented it since around March 2025. Stock had visited the building on the day of his murder because another company was adding biometric security measures to the building.

Investigation into the Shooting
The police investigation into Stock’s murder is ongoing, and the motive for the shooting is currently unknown. According to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, three unknown suspects approached Stock after he parked his vehicle and opened fire on him before fleeing the scene on foot. The police are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111. Stock’s family has issued a statement asking for privacy and compassion during this difficult time and requesting that the police be given the space and support needed to thoroughly investigate the crime.

Reaction from Officials and Politicians
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero extended his condolences to Stock’s family and called for justice to be served. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba, a former mayor of Johannesburg, also weighed in on the murder, stating that the killing would not stop the fight to reclaim Johannesburg’s inner city. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe, issued a statement praising Stock’s contributions to the entertainment industry and calling for an end to the violence targeting DJs and other figures in the sector.

Similar Incidents in the Past
The killing of DJ Warras is not an isolated incident. In November 2022, Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody, was shot and killed. A few months earlier, in March 2022, Hector Buthelezi, also known as DJ Vintos, was fatally shot. An accused in these cases is Katiso "KT" Molefe, who is facing multiple charges, including murder and conspiracy to commit murder linked to an alleged organized crime network targeting DJs. According to the State, the DJ murders were connected to a R200-million cocaine consignment that was stolen from the Hawks’ offices in Port Shepstone.

Conclusion and Call to Action
The killing of DJ Warras is a tragic reminder of the violence and crime that plagues South Africa’s entertainment and private security sectors. The police must be given the space and support needed to thoroughly investigate this crime and bring those responsible to justice. The community must also come together to condemn the violence and support the families of the victims. By working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.