By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Armindo Pacula abandons bail, the man accused of carrying out the murder of Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, has abandoned his bail.
Pacula made his second appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 February 2026.
He faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder relating to Stock’s killing. He has also been charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
Stock was fatally shot on16 December 2025 outside a building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD).
During the proceedings, Pacula’s legal representative informed the court that the accused had decided to abandon his bail application.
“Furthermore, he is informing me that there is a possibility of a plea in this matter,” the lawyer said, adding that he was not in possession of the docket to confirm whether Pacula intended to plead guilty.
The accused also raised concerns about his safety in custody and requested not to be detained at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City.
“According to him, he is informing me that there are people who killed his friend, and he is afraid he might be killed if he is incarcerated at Johannesburg correctional services.”
State prosecutor Vincent Mochabela confirmed that arrangements had been made with a station commander for Pacula to be transferred to Modderbee Correctional Centre in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
The matter was postponed to 11 February.
Pacula will remain in custody until Wednesday, when he will appear alongside his co-accused, Victor Majola. The latter is accused of orchestrating Stock’s murder.