CCTV Reveals a Narrow Window — And a Decision That Changed Everything

Warrick Stock, better known to millions as DJ Warras, was a vibrant force in South African entertainment. His life ended abruptly on December 16, 2025, in a brazen daylight shooting in Johannesburg’s central business district (CBD). The 40-year-old radio personality, television host, club DJ, and businessman was gunned down outside a building he was helping to secure, in what authorities describe as a targeted assassination.

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Investigators have meticulously reviewed CCTV footage from the scene, near the iconic Carlton Centre. This evidence paints a chilling picture of the final moments. It reveals a brief, critical window where events could have unfolded differently — a narrow opportunity for escape or intervention that was not taken, leading to the tragic outcome that has shocked the nation.

The incident occurred opposite the Carlton Centre, a landmark in Johannesburg’s bustling CBD, on the intersection of Von Wielligh and Commissioner Streets.

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Footage shows DJ Warras exiting Zambesi House, an eight-storey building plagued by illegal occupation — one of many “hijacked” properties in the city where criminal syndicates forcibly take control, renting out spaces illicitly and often leading to dangerous living conditions.

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Stock’s company had been contracted to secure the property, and he was actively involved in efforts to reclaim it from unlawful occupants. Reports indicate he had recently obtained multiple protection orders against tenants who allegedly threatened him and his security team.

As DJ Warras stepped out, three suspects are seen on camera colluding in the moments leading up to the attack. The primary shooter — described as a short man with dreadlocks, dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform — approached swiftly. He fired multiple shots, believed to be four in total, striking Stock fatally.

The footage captures Stock attempting to flee across the street after the initial shots, only to collapse. This desperate run highlights the “narrow window” alluded to in investigative circles: a fleeting second where a different decision — perhaps retreating back into the building, seeking cover sooner, or the intervention of bystanders — might have altered the course of events.

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DJ Warras murder: CCTV footage reveals shooter as man with dreadlocks

Seconds mattered profoundly. The attack was swift and professional, suggesting planning and execution by individuals familiar with the area. Police have noted the suspects’ coordinated movements, with one acting as the gunman while others possibly served as lookouts.

The crime scene quickly became a focal point of grief and investigation, cordoned off with police tape as emergency responders arrived.

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Family members, including his sister Nicole Stock, were on site, appealing for privacy and calm amid the trauma.

DJ Warras’s death is not isolated. It fits into a disturbing pattern of targeted killings in Gauteng province, particularly affecting DJs and those in the private security sector. Previous victims include DJ Sumbody in 2022 and others linked to organized crime networks. Stock’s involvement in building security and evictions likely “ruffled feathers in the underworld,” as one business associate put it. His outspoken nature on social issues, including criticism of illegal building occupations, may have made him a target.

Born in Durban, Warrick Stock built a multifaceted career. He rose to prominence on radio stations like Gagasi FM and 5FM, hosting shows that blended music with sharp commentary. He transitioned to television, appearing on SABC1’s Live AMP, co-hosting The Shady PHodcast, and even fronting reality programs. Beyond media, he ran JT VIP Protection Services, providing elite security for events and properties.

Tributes poured in from across South Africa. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised him as someone who “spoke his truth without fear.” Political figures like Mmusi Maimane decried the “brazen murder” as emblematic of the country’s crime crisis. A memorial service saw emotional outpourings from family, friends, and colleagues.

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National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola stated that a suspect had been identified, with an arrest imminent. Raids on Zambesi House followed, yielding questioning of several individuals. The motive remains under investigation, but links to disputes over the hijacked building are prominent.

This case underscores broader issues in South Africa: rampant violent crime, with murder rates among the world’s highest, and the scourge of building hijackings that turn urban centers into danger zones. DJ Warras’s activism against these problems may have cost him his life, but it has spotlighted the urgent need for reform.

In those captured seconds on CCTV, a life full of energy and influence was cut short. The narrow window closed, and a decision — or lack thereof — changed everything. As investigations continue, the nation mourns a talented soul whose voice, once amplifying music and truth, now echoes in calls for justice.