A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a country grappling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was attacked in the downtown area on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Police said the forty-year-old entertainer was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before running away.
The motive of the shooting remains unclear and no one has been arrested have taken place, as per the official statement.
Authorities said that Stock was attacked as he was departing from a premises near the city center landmark.
He had spent several hours at the property managing the installation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unidentified individuals, it was reported.
"Authorities believe the man was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," an official report stated.
CCTV footage reportedly captured a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform opening fire on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but collapsed on the opposite side of the road.
It was further revealed that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the incident.
Crucial forensic evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the location.
Authorities have requested eyewitnesses who may have have information to contact them.
"Our information indicates they covered significant ground after the shooting, and officers have been attempting to locate them to determine their location," stated a police chief.
His family member, Nicole Stock, expressed the family was struggling to process his death.
"I am devastated. I don't have words," were her words.
"Everyone understood he was a champion for numerous individuals. He was a fearless commentator about subjects not many people were ready to discuss. This is a devastating blow."
She requested the citizens to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the scene, saying this was an extremely painful time, above all for Stock's children.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that was broadcast on a South African broadcasting platform.
Apart from his media career, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including security provision, offering elite guarding services and protecting major functions across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in building administration and assisted with tenant removals.
His murder has caused national trauma and triggered an flood of condolences from his fans, the government and political parties.
A senior figure remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my decisions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," he stated.
A political leader stated the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "Stock was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a gifted communicator, a true devotee of sound and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an lasting impression."
In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and intelligent commentary, adding that his memory "will live on".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, fuelled by property crime and organized criminal activity, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily according to recent data, according to government figures.
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Franklin Sampson
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Franklin Sampson