A popular South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country struggling with rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on a Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the forty-year-old entertainer was confronted by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The purpose behind the shooting has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, police said.
Law enforcement said that Stock was attacked as he was departing from a location near the city center landmark.
He had been present for hours at the site managing the installation of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by squatters, according to reports.
"It is alleged the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they began shooting at him before escaping on foot," an official report stated.
Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before running away.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was shot but fell down on the opposite side of the road.
Officials noted that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the attack.
Important clues, like cartridges, were recovered from the scene.
Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.
"Evidence suggests they covered significant ground after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to establish their location," added an official.
His sister, Nicole Stock, stated the family was struggling to understand the tragedy.
"Words fail me. I cannot express the pain," she stated.
"We know he was a voice for many people. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were ready to discuss. This is a profound tragedy."
She urged the community to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the scene, explaining this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a South African TV network.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including security provision, providing elite guarding services and securing prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in real estate operations and was involved in tenant removals.
His killing has shocked the country and prompted an wave of remembrances from his followers, the government and various organizations.
A government minister remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a minister. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," the minister added.
A public representative said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a tragedy for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "Stock was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a gifted communicator, a true devotee of sound and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His commitment to his craft left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the broadcaster he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will endure".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated homicide statistics, exacerbated by property crime and organized criminal activity, with some dozens of citizens killed each day according to recent data, as per police data.
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