NOT JUST A TRAGEDY — THE DJ WARRAS CASE IS QUICKLY TURNING INTO A CONTROVERSY
As investigators continue reviewing the inciden@ that led to DJ Warras’ de@th, online discussions are growing louder. Conflicting witness accounts. CCTV footage that exists but hasn’t fully clarified what happened. And a timeline that many say doesn’t add up.
Family members are focused on protecting his children and preserving his legacy — while unanswered questions keep resurfacing.
If everything was straightforward, why does the story still feel unfinished?
👇 The details people keep arguing about are in the comments.
Not Just a Tragedy: The DJ Warras Case is Quickly Turning Into a Controversy
Warrick Robert Stock, better known to South Africans as DJ Warras or “The Shady Lurker,” was a vibrant force in the country’s entertainment industry. Born in Durban on November 27, 1985, he rose from humble beginnings to become a beloved radio DJ, television presenter, club performer, and podcast host. His career spanned stations like YFM and 5FM, iconic shows such as SABC1’s Live AMP, and the candid Shady PHodcast alongside DJ PH. Known for his sharp social commentary, infectious energy, and commitment to mentoring young talent, Warras was more than an entertainer—he was a storyteller who connected with audiences across generations.
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At 40 years old, Warras had transitioned into business, founding Imperium Ops, a private security and property management firm. His work focused on reclaiming “hijacked” buildings in Johannesburg’s decaying CBD—properties illegally occupied, often linked to crime syndicates. This activism made him a respected figure among those frustrated with urban decay, but it also placed him in dangerous territory.
On December 16, 2025—the Day of Reconciliation—Warras was gunned down in broad daylight outside Zambezi House (also referred to as Zambesi House) near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD. According to police reports, he had spent hours overseeing the installation of biometric access and CCTV systems at the hijacked building. After parking his vehicle, he was approached by three suspects. One opened fire, shooting him multiple times. Warras attempted to flee but collapsed across the street. Nothing was stolen, and he had an unused firearm on him, suggesting the attack was targeted rather than a robbery.
CCTV footage captured the chilling sequence: a short man with dreadlocks, dressed in what appeared to be a security uniform, firing the shots before fleeing on foot with accomplices. Disturbingly, reports emerged that the shooter returned to the scene twice, blending in with bystanders as Warras lay dying. Police recovered cartridges at the site, and Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana confirmed the footage showed suspicious collusion among the suspects in the lead-up.
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The motive appears tied to Warras’s security work. In the weeks prior, he had obtained five protection orders against individuals linked to the Zambezi building, following alleged death threats. Sources indicate the killing was a suspected hit related to escalating disputes over hijacked properties. Some early reports speculated mistaken identity—Warras possibly targeted instead of the building owner—but the protection orders and threats point to deliberate assassination.
The tragedy shocked South Africa, amplifying concerns over crime, urban decay, and the dangers faced by those stepping in where the state has failed. Political figures like Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane called it a “brazen murder in broad daylight,” highlighting national outrage. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourned him as a “dynamic and respected force” in media.
Warras’s family was devastated. In a statement, they described the “senseless nature of his passing” leaving them “devastated, broken, and struggling to imagine a world without him.” He leaves behind three young children, his mother, and siblings. Spokesperson Melanie Ramjee emphasized his role as the family’s “heart and anchor,” a devoted father and selfless individual who brought light and laughter everywhere. The family requested privacy and urged focus on his positive legacy rather than speculation.
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His funeral on December 23, 2025, in Rosebank was emotional, attended by family, friends, and colleagues. Tributes highlighted his full life, deep love, and challenging thinking. A close friend eulogized: “He lived fully. He loved deeply. He told stories that connected us.”
Yet, what began as a straightforward tragedy has evolved into a full-blown controversy. Initial narratives on social media and from some politicians blamed “illegal foreigners” occupying hijacked buildings, framing Warras’s death as part of a broader immigration-crime nexus. However, arrests shattered this: On December 22, two South African suspects were detained in Soweto. One, Victor Mthethwa Majola (44), appeared in court on December 24, alleging police assault in custody—a claim adding scrutiny to the investigation. The second suspect was released, and the case postponed to January 2026.
Online discussions exploded. Conflicting reports on witness accounts, the exact timeline (e.g., how long Warras was at the building, precise sequence of events), and CCTV clarity fueled debates. Why did the shooter return to the scene? Was the dreadlocked assailant in a fake security uniform to gain trust? Theories ranged from syndicate hits to personal grudges, with some questioning if all footage has been fully analyzed or released.
Broader controversies emerged around Johannesburg’s hijacked buildings crisis. Critics accused politicians of inaction, noting private citizens like Warras filled voids left by government. EFF MMC for Public Safety Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku faced backlash for post-death evictions and patrols, seen by some as opportunistic. Others defended efforts to reclaim properties while providing alternative accommodation, highlighting legal complexities.
Social media amplified divisions: accusations of xenophobia when early blame targeted migrants, versus demands for stronger border control and law enforcement. Warras’s ironic final posts—joking about danger days before his death—added eerie layers, with fans noting foreshadowing.
As of late December 2025, the investigation continues amid calls for justice. The family prioritizes protecting Warras’s children and legacy, but unanswered questions persist: Full motive clarity? All suspects apprehended? Systemic fixes for hijacked buildings and private security risks?
Warras’s death is not just a personal tragedy—it’s a stark indictment of South Africa’s crime epidemic, urban failure, and polarized discourse. His voice, once fearless on air, now echoes in demands for accountability. In a nation grappling with violence, his story feels unfinished, turning grief into growing controversy.
