Condolences pour in after killing of SA radio presenter DJ Warras

His death comes amid heightened concern after a recent court case linked to South Africa’s law enforcement scandal included claims by the State that a criminal network has been targeting DJs in the province.

Stock’s sister, Nicole, confirmed his death in comments to local media, describing the moment she was informed of the shooting. “I’m still in shock; I haven’t processed it officially,” she said. “I’ve just touched his body, it’s still warm. I don’t actually have words. I don’t know what to say.

“I’m broken, I’m shattered because we know he was a voice for many people around the country and even around the world. You know, he spoke out bravely about so many issues that not many people will speak about. It’s truly a tremendous loss not only to us as a family, but to a nation as well.”

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie also reacted to the killing, expressing anger over the circumstances surrounding Stock’s death. “I’m very angry. DJ Warras was a patriot, he was a lover of this country. He spoke His truth without fear or favour. He even criticised me. He was a pure example of what and who we should be. Now why am I angry? Because he was totally against the hijacking of buildings,” McKenzie said.

Opposition politician Mmusi Maimane described the killing as a national shock and called for swift action from law enforcement. “The brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a true shock to all South Africans. I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans in this difficult time,” he wrote on social media.

“We have lost one of the most outspoken and patriotic young South Africans. DJ Warras was someone who was a voice for many in this country. Someone whose blood and tears were fully committed to this nation. We call upon the police to act quickly to arrest the hitmen and to also apprehend those who made the order.”

Politician Mbuyiseni Dlozi also condemned the killing, linking it to broader concerns about violence in the country. “Sad news indeed. The murder of Warrick Stock, a.k.a DJ Warras is yet another episode of South Africa’s culture of violence. Our heartfelt condolences, especially to his family. May his soul rest in peace and his killers brought to swift justice! We need to silence the guns, win the streets back in our troubled country,” he said.

Born in Durban, Stock began his media career in radio and rose to prominence in 2008 after joining YFM. He later moved to 5FM and, in 2012, joined SABC1’s music programme Live AMP, where he served as a presenter for about six years.

In recent years, he co-hosted The Shady PHodcast alongside DJ PH and, earlier this year, hosted the local reality television show Ngicel’iVisa.