Key Takeaways:
- Victor Majola, 44, has been accused of murdering popular media personality DJ Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras
- The murder allegedly stemmed from a dispute over the management of Zambesi Flats in Johannesburg
- Majola faces charges of murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder
- The state argues that Majola is a flight risk and may intimidate witnesses, while his lawyer claims he is not a flight risk and did not commit the crime
- The bail hearing is ongoing
Introduction to the Case
The Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court heard the formal bail application of Victor Majola, who is accused of murdering DJ Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras. The details of the case emerged during the bail application, which was postponed earlier and resumed on Tuesday, January 13. The state presented its case, outlining the events leading to the killing, which allegedly stemmed from a dispute over the management of Zambesi Flats in Johannesburg.
The Dispute Over Zambesi Flats
The dispute began when the original owner of the building died in 2018, and his son inherited the property. The son noticed a sharp decline in rental income, from over R700,000 a month to about R400,000, which raised suspicions that something was wrong. It later emerged that certain tenants were collecting rent from other occupants and not paying it over to the rightful owner. DJ Warras and his business partner were approached to assist in managing the flats, which led to a meeting with tenants and the announcement of plans to take over management, introduce biometric access, and issue permits to residents. This move allegedly angered those who were illegally collecting money, including Majola’s girlfriend.
The Threats and Murder
The group allegedly threatened DJ Warras, warning him that they would not allow him to "take money from their mouths." DJ Warras subsequently applied for a protection order against six individuals, including Majola’s girlfriend. The matter was heard in the Johannesburg court, where further threats were allegedly made. On December 16, DJ Warras returned to the flats to restore security cameras, and it was then that Majola and two other men were seen sitting near street vendors outside the building. A witness allegedly heard Majola speaking in isiZulu to the other two men, saying, "Nangu lomuntu," which means "here he is," moments before DJ Warras was shot dead.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigating officer, Captain Abe Montwedi, testified that CCTV footage obtained from a nearby butchery showed Majola arriving with the alleged shooter, sitting together before the incident, and leaving together afterwards. On December 22, police received information from an informant that Majola and his girlfriend were hiding in Soweto. Montwedi personally went to a hostel in Meadowlands, where Majola was found sleeping with his girlfriend and arrested. During the arrest, police seized several mobile phones, including one that contained DJ Warras’ vehicle registration papers and documents belonging to DJ Warras’ partner.
The Bail Hearing
The bail hearing is ongoing, with the state arguing that Majola is a flight risk and may intimidate witnesses, including street vendors. Montwedi warned that there were still outstanding suspects and requested that Majola be kept behind bars. However, Majola’s lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda, argued that his client should be released on bail, maintaining that Majola did not commit the crime. Mabunda claimed that Majola does not have a passport and is not a flight risk. The court will continue to hear the bail application, and a decision is expected soon.
Conclusion
The case of DJ Warras’ murder has sent shockwaves through the community, and the bail hearing has brought to light the events leading to the killing. The state’s argument that Majola is a flight risk and may intimidate witnesses is a significant concern, and the court will need to weigh the evidence carefully before making a decision. As the bail hearing continues, the family of DJ Warras and the community await justice for the popular media personality.
