Maya is a tech strategist with over 10 years of experience in digital innovation and enterprise solutions, passionate about helping businesses adapt to technological changes.
A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a nation grappling with persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials stated the 40-year-old media personality was accosted by a trio of assailants, with one shot at him before fleeing on foot.
The motive behind the shooting is unknown and no arrests have been made, police said.
Police revealed that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a premises close to the Carlton Centre.
He had spent several hours at the property managing the installation of security systems, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, it was reported.
"The report indicates the man was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before escaping on foot," an official report stated.
CCTV footage showed a suspect with dreadlocks and dressed in what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before running away.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was hit but fell down a short distance away.
It was further revealed that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the incident.
Important clues, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene.
Police have appealed eyewitnesses who may have seen the suspects to contact them.
"We know they covered significant ground after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to find their whereabouts," stated a police chief.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the family was struggling to understand the tragedy.
"I am in shock. I don't have words," she said.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about issues not many people were prepared to tackle. This is a devastating blow."
She requested the citizens to avoid sharing explicit content from the incident, noting this was an incredibly difficult time, especially for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that was broadcast on a South African digital satellite entertainment channel.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including protective services, supplying high-level security services and securing high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in building administration and participated in building evictions.
His killing has sent the nation reeling and triggered an wave of remembrances from his followers, the government and various organizations.
A cabinet official remarked he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we ought to be," the minister added.
A public representative commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a true devotee of sound and a generous spirit who brought excitement and dynamism to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity left an profound impact."
In a statement, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will be remembered".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the world's highest homicide statistics, exacerbated by property crime and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens killed each day between April and September, as per government figures.
Maya is a tech strategist with over 10 years of experience in digital innovation and enterprise solutions, passionate about helping businesses adapt to technological changes.