“A FATHER’S LAST WORDS” — The Messages DJ Warras Sent That Haunt His Family Today
Investigators have uncovered text messages and voice notes from DJ Warras to his family in the hours before the inciden@. Simple reminders, words of love, a plan to check on his children — all now cast in a chilling new light.
Three children are growing up without their father, and loved ones are left wondering which tiny detail, if changed, could have kept him safe…👇👇

A Father’s Last Words: The Enduring Love of DJ Warras and the Heartbreak Left Behind

On December 23, 2025, family, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered at the Rosebank Catholic Church in Johannesburg to lay Warrick Robert Stock—better known as DJ Warras or “The Shady Lurker”—to rest. The 40-year-old media personality, gunned down in broad daylight in the Johannesburg CBD just a week earlier on December 16, was remembered not only as a fearless voice in South African entertainment but as a devoted father whose expressions of love now resonate as poignant final messages to his three young children.

Warras’ funeral marked a somber closure to a life cut tragically short, amid ongoing police investigations that have led to the arrest of two suspects, with a third still at large. The service was attended by notable figures, including Duduzile Sambudla-Zuma, and broadcast live, allowing the nation to join in mourning a man whose warmth and affection touched so many lives.

Born in Durban, Warras built a remarkable career across radio, television, podcasting, and club DJing. He co-hosted the iconic SABC1 show Live AMP, brought candid commentary to stations like Y FM and 5FM, and co-founded the popular Shady PHodcast with DJ PH. His work extended into business, particularly private security focused on reclaiming hijacked buildings in Johannesburg—a dangerous endeavor that authorities believe may have contributed to his targeted killing.

Yet, beyond the public persona, Warras was defined by his role as a father. He leaves behind three children—eldest son Ethan and two younger siblings—whose lives have been irrevocably altered. Family statements repeatedly described him as “the heart and anchor” of their home, a “loving and proud father” who brought “light, laughter, and strength” into every space.

At his memorial service on December 19 in Sandton, the depth of Warras’ paternal love was on full display. His eldest son, Ethan, stood bravely at the podium alongside his younger brothers, delivering a tribute that moved the nation to tears. “My father was my hero, my inspiration,” Ethan said, his voice steady despite the overwhelming grief. He spoke of how Warras treated everyone with “pure love and respect,” never acting superior despite his fame. The sight of the young boys honoring their father underscored the profound loss: children growing up without the man who was their guiding light.

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Friends and colleagues echoed this sentiment. Long-time associate Marvin Cohen revealed that Warras had a heartfelt habit: he ended every phone call with “I love you, bye.” This simple ritual, shared in conversations with family and friends, now haunts those left behind as a reminder of his affectionate nature. Podcast co-host DJ PH described him as someone who “always showed up,” no matter the circumstance, prioritizing relationships above all.

While no public reports confirm specific text messages or voice notes sent in the exact hours before the incident—as speculated in some social media circles—Warras’ routine expressions of love have taken on new meaning. His sister, Nicole Stock, recalled their final conversation, where he was passionately discussing issues in Zulu, complaining about something mundane yet characteristic of his engaged personality. Other tributes highlighted unfinished calls and habitual check-ins, painting a picture of a man who consistently affirmed his love for his children and family.

One particularly poignant posthumous reflection came from Tumelo Ramaphosa, who shared regret over an incomplete recent phone call with Warras. Additionally, reports noted that Warras was on a call when he stepped out of a building moments before the shooting, adding a layer of tragedy to his final moments. These ordinary interactions—reminders to his kids, words of affection—now cast a chilling shadow, leaving loved ones wondering about the “what ifs” that haunt every sudden loss.

The family’s official statement following his death captured their devastation: “A devoted son, a loving and proud father, a cherished brother and uncle, Warrick was the heart and anchor of his family.” They expressed being “devastated, broken, and struggling to imagine a world without him,” while requesting privacy during their mourning. At the memorial, Nicole spoke angrily of the senselessness, saying, “He was taken away from us too early. This is not where his voice should’ve ended.” The great-grandmother of his children, Hester Livanos, described him as a “wonderful and devoted father.”

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Nothing prepares you for this”: Family reacts to DJ Warras tragedy …

Warras’ commitment to fatherhood was evident in how he often boasted about his close relationship with his children on social media and in interviews. Colleagues like Pearl Thusi and Penuel Mlotshwa emphasized his genuine love for his “boys,” with Mlotshwa noting Warras as a “good soul” who cherished his friends and family equally.

Today’s funeral in Rosebank provided a space for final farewells. Mourners, including artists like Slikour (Siyabonga Metane), gathered to celebrate Warras’ legacy as a “joyful activist icon” and patriot. Preparations showed a community united in grief, with tributes focusing on his fight against urban decay and corruption—efforts that may have made him a target.

Police breakthroughs, including CCTV footage and arrests, offer hope for justice. Gauteng authorities link the killing to disputes over hijacked buildings, where Warras’ security work threatened criminal syndicates. His death has sparked national conversations about safety in Johannesburg’s inner city and the risks faced by those reclaiming spaces from illegality.

As Warras is laid to rest, his “last words”—those habitual declarations of love, the unfinished calls, the passionate discussions—live on as a testament to a father who loved deeply and unapologetically. His children, now facing a future without him, carry forward the warmth he instilled. In the words of those who knew him best, Warras gave love consistently, a legacy that endures even in heartbreak.

South Africa mourns not just a talented entertainer but a man whose final, everyday messages of affection now serve as an eternal reminder: tell your loved ones you care, every time.