By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Family, friends and the media fraternity were gathered in Sandton north to remember slain media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock.
Stock was murdered in Johannesburg’s central business district on Tuesday, 16 December 2025.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie and his deputy, Peace Mabe, issued a statement on the day Stock was murdered.
“Warras was a dynamic and respected force in South Africa’s media and creative industries. Born in Durban, he forged a multifaceted career that stretched across radio, television, digital platforms and live performance,” the statement read.
“Alongside his work in broadcasting and television, Warras remained committed to the culture of DJ-ing. As a club DJ, he brought energy and authenticity to venues around the country, celebrating South Africa’s rich and diverse musical landscape.”
The Executive Mayor Dada Morero assured the family and the public that the matter is receiving the necessary attention from law enforcement authorities and that the law must be allowed to take its full course.
Warras was being remembered not only for his media work but for his unwavering stance against wrongdoing.
His sister Nicole says she hasn’t had an opportunity to cry. I am very, very angry. I haven’t had an opportunity to really cry,” she said.
“I have had to keep it together because he would want me to do that. I am angry, I am so angry because Warrick was taken away from us too early; this is not where his voice should’ve ended. This is where it should’ve been loudest.”
Stock’s son, Ethan, described his father as a devoted parent who always put his family first, regardless of the pressures he faced in public life.
“My father always did everything in his power to make sure me and my family were okay,” he said. Regardless of how he felt or his financial situation, he always made a way.”
Ethan said the man the public saw was not always the man he knew at home.
“As a dad, my father was the complete opposite of how the media portrayed him. He was the life of the party and the brightest light in every room,” he said. “My father was my hero. He is my inspiration and my foundation.”
Those closest to him remembered a devoted father and partner whose greatest pride was his family.
“I just wanna say to the kids, I lost my mother very young. I know this is a terrible feeling,” said industry colleague and friend Pearl Thusi.
“And I just want you to know that there is an everlasting presence of your parents once they are on the other side; they are with you all the time, not when they can or when they choose to be.”
Marvin Cohen, a long-time friend, said Stock “loved everybody aggressively”.
“He ended every phone call the same way: ‘I love you, bye’, “Cohen said. That wasn’t a line. That was who he was.”
Cohen also reflected on Stock’s famous saying: “Take it easy, and if it’s easy, take it home,” calling it a simple but profound philosophy for life.
Warras’ funeral is expected to be held next Tuesday and the cremation will be on Wednesday in Johannesburg. Fullview also extends its heartfelt condolences to his friends and family.