By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
City of Johannesburg has revealed that the slain media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, had obtained five protection orders against individuals who had threatened him prior to his murder.
Warras, was involved in property management, ran a security company, JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services that assisted with building evictions and safeguarding high-profile events across South Africa.
Warras was murdered in downtown Johannesburg on December 16.
Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The motive of the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made, police said.
Fred Kekana, acting police commissioner said Stock was attacked outside Zambesi House near Carlton Centre.
Stock spent several hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems at the premises, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people.
CCTV footage showed a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a security uniform opening fire on Stock before fleeing, said Kekana.
Warras tried to run away after he was shot but fell down across the street, the police chief added.
“We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to determine their whereabouts,” added Kekana.
Fullview learnt that the protection order involved five people who were living at a building called Zambesi House near Carlton Centre
On Wednesday, Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku said analysis of the footage strongly suggests that the murder was a targeted hit.
“We believe that this was a hit. Normally, in the modus operandi in these scenarios, Warrick was doing the normal thing of securing the building to ensure that people pay. But the building hijackers see that as stopping the income that was coming to them,” Tshwaku said.
He added that Stock had secured protection orders against five people known to authorities.
“He had protection orders against five people who are known to us. I have those protection orders, which I received from the lawyers. We believe that a price was put on his head because of the work that he was doing, trying to reclaim that building on behalf of the owner,” Tshwaku said.
Tshwaku said law enforcement agencies would be questioning the individuals named in the protection orders as part of the ongoing investigation.
The distraught family of Warras has released a statement about his murder, saying they have been left devastated after learning of his tragic and untimely passing.
“The senseless nature of his passing has left his family devastated, broken and struggling to imagine a world without him. A devoted son, a loving and proud father, a cherished brother and uncle, Warrick, 40, was the heart and anchor of his family.
“Affectionately known as DJ Warras, also known as “The Shady Lurker”, he brought light, laughter and strength into every space he occupied. His influence and kindness extended far beyond his home, and he was deeply loved by his friends, colleagues, and the wider South African entertainment community,” they said.
Warrick leaves behind his three young children, his mother and his siblings.
The Stock family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love, messages of support and condolences received and said they will share details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements in due course.
His murder has shocked the country and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fans, the government and political parties.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said he was angry and saddened by Stock’s murder.
“He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be,” added McKenzie.
Leader of South African’s Build One party Mmusi Maimane said the “brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans”.
“DJ Warras was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity left an indelible mark on our channels,” said Shirley Adonisi, director of local entertainment Channels (Mnet).