A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a nation grappling with persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the downtown area on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials stated the forty-year-old media personality was confronted by a trio of assailants, with one opened fire on him before running away.
The motive of the attack is unknown and no arrests are in custody, according to authorities.
Law enforcement said that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a premises close to the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the property managing the setup of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, according to reports.
"It is alleged the man was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before fleeing the scene on foot," authorities said.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocked hair and clad in what looked like a protective services outfit firing shots on Stock before running away.
The DJ sought to escape after he was shot but fell down on the opposite side of the road.
Officials noted that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the assault.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were found at the location.
Authorities have requested members of the public who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and police have been attempting to locate them to establish their whereabouts," added an official.
His family member, a close relative, said the family was struggling to understand the tragedy.
"I am in shock. I am shattered," she stated.
"We know he was a champion for numerous individuals. He addressed issues courageously about topics not many people were ready to discuss. This is a tremendous loss."
She requested the community to avoid sharing disturbing footage from the incident, noting this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that aired on a South African broadcasting platform.
Beyond his role as a presenter, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including security provision, providing high-level security services and securing prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in property management and assisted with property reclaimations.
His death has shocked the country and led to an outpouring of tributes from his audience, the authorities and political parties.
A cabinet official remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's killing.
"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a public official. He was a pure example of who we must aspire to be," was his tribute.
A party figurehead commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a tragedy for all South Africans".
A media executive noted that "Stock was more than just a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a true devotee of sound and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his presence, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will be remembered".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the world's highest rates of violent death, exacerbated by theft-related violence and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens losing their lives per day between April and September, based on official statistics.
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