Key Takeaways:
- Victor Majola, the 44-year-old man accused of masterminding the murder of DJ Warras, has applied for bail, claiming he is a self-employed taxi owner with substantial assets and no reason to flee.
- Majola owns three taxis, has more than 30 cows in KwaZulu-Natal, and movable assets worth over R500,000.
- The state strongly opposes bail, arguing that Majola’s claims are false and that he is a flight risk.
- The investigation into DJ Warras’ murder is ongoing, with several arrests imminent, including that of the alleged shooter and Majola’s girlfriend, Hlengiwe.
- The motive for the murder is believed to be a dispute over rent collection at the Zambesi Building, where DJ Warras’ security company had been contracted.
Introduction to the Case
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has heard the bail application of Victor Majola, the man accused of masterminding the murder of media personality Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras. Majola, 44, submitted an affidavit claiming he is a self-employed taxi owner with substantial assets worth more than R500,000 and no reason to flee. He owns three taxis, has more than 30 cows in KwaZulu-Natal, and earns around R5,000 per week from his taxi business. Majola also claims to be the sole breadwinner for 12 children, aged between three and 21, and argues that he does not have a passport, which reduces his flight risk.
Majola’s Affidavit
In his affidavit, Majola stated that he is self-employed as a taxi owner and has three taxis registered in his name. He earns a fluctuating income of around R5,000 per week and has movable assets worth over R500,000. Majola also claimed that he is the sole breadwinner for his 12 children and that he has a fixed address, which is known to the state, his family, and the community. He denied any involvement in the killing of DJ Warras and claimed that the state had arrested the wrong person. Majola argued that he cooperated fully with the police during his arrest and that he has never been in trouble with the law before.
State’s Opposition to Bail
However, the state strongly opposed Majola’s bail application, arguing that several of his claims are false. Investigating officer Captain Abe Montwedi told the court that an identity parade revealed that Majola has no children and that police could find no taxis registered in his name. Montwedi also disputed Majola’s claim that he has a fixed address, saying that the accused had moved between several locations in Johannesburg and owned no property locally. The state argued that Majola is a flight risk and that he could intimidate witnesses, including street vendors who were present at the scene of the crime.
Investigation into DJ Warras’ Murder
The investigation into DJ Warras’ murder is ongoing, with several arrests imminent, including that of the alleged shooter and Majola’s girlfriend, Hlengiwe. According to the state, Hlengiwe was a tenant at the Zambesi Building, where DJ Warras’ security company had been contracted. Investigators allege that she and Majola were illegally collecting rent from tenants, which led to a dispute with DJ Warras and his business partner. The dispute dates back to 2018, when the property owner died and the building was inherited by his son. Rental income allegedly dropped from more than R700,000 a month to about R400,000, leading to tensions between the parties involved.
Motive for the Murder
The motive for DJ Warras’ murder is believed to be the dispute over rent collection at the Zambesi Building. DJ Warras and his business partner had been brought in to assist with managing the property, but their plans to introduce biometric access and new security measures reportedly angered those allegedly collecting rent illegally. Threats were allegedly made against DJ Warras, and he later applied for a protection order against six people, including Hlengiwe. On the day of the murder, DJ Warras returned to the building to restore security cameras, and Majola and two other men were seen sitting nearby. A witness allegedly heard Majola say in isiZulu, "Nangu lomuntu" – meaning "Here he is" – moments before the shooting.
Conclusion
The bail application of Victor Majola has been postponed, with further evidence expected to be heard on January 14. The state has argued that Majola is a flight risk and that he could intimidate witnesses, while Majola’s lawyer has maintained his client’s innocence and argued that he is not a flight risk. The investigation into DJ Warras’ murder is ongoing, with several arrests imminent. The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for justice for the slain media personality. As the case continues, it remains to be seen whether Majola will be granted bail or whether he will be kept behind bars pending the outcome of the trial.