A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country grappling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old presenter was confronted by three suspects, one of whom shot at him before escaping on foot.
The motive of the incident is unknown and no arrests have taken place, police said.
Law enforcement revealed that Stock was targeted as he was leaving a premises close to the Carlton Centre.
He had spent several hours at the property supervising the installation of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by unidentified individuals, according to reports.
"It is alleged the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they shot at him before fleeing the scene on foot," authorities stated.
Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and clad in what appeared to be a security uniform shooting on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was hit but fell down across the street.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the assault.
Crucial forensic evidence, like bullet casings, were recovered from the crime scene.
Officials are asking members of the public who may have have information to come forward.
"Evidence suggests they covered significant ground after the shooting, and officers have been attempting to locate them to find their location," stated a police chief.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the family was struggling to understand the tragedy.
"I am devastated. I cannot express the pain," she said.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were ready to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She appealed to the public to not sharing explicit content from the incident, saying this was an extremely painful time, especially for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a popular local broadcasting platform.
Apart from his media career, Stock was engaged in various commercial activities, including protective services, supplying elite guarding services and managing safety for high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in real estate operations and was involved in tenant removals.
His murder has shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the authorities and various organizations.
A senior figure remarked he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's killing.
"He expressed his views without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a public official. He was a pure example of who we ought to be," was his tribute.
A party figurehead said the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director said that "Stock was far beyond a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every appearance. His artistic passion left an lasting impression."
In a statement, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, warmth and quick humor, adding that his legacy "will be remembered".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the globally elevated murder rates, fuelled by theft-related violence and organized criminal activity, with some over sixty individuals killed each day according to recent data, as per police data.
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