As tributes have continued to pour in for former Y FM media personality and DJ, Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie has sent his condolences to the Stock family.
The radio personality was confirmed dead by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Tuesday, with Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Tinswalo Sibeko, revealing that the 40-year-old was fatally shot in Johannesburg Central, just as the country was celebrating Reconciliation Day.
“DJ Warras was a patriot. He was a lover of his country. He spoke his truth, without fear or favour, and even criticised me for some of my decisions as a Cabinet Minister. He did this, even though I was close to him,” McKenzie said.
Sibeko said the police are still investigating the incident that has sent shockwaves throughout the country, with reports that the alleged suspect or suspects are still at large.
“It is alleged that the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown. No arrest has been made yet, and the investigation is underway,” Sibeko said.
Some reports have suggested that the 40-year-old presenter, who was also a property manager, was attacked while conducting a building inspection in the city centre.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla said they could only confirm some details about the incident.
“Currently, we don’t have any information regarding the incident or the victim. And the matter will be criminally investigated by the South African Police Service, who will then provide better information regarding the incident.”
The DJ’s close associate, Penuel “The Black Pen” Mlotshwa, celebrated his friend, describing him as a loving father and a patriot.
“Loving father. Deep South African patriot. A passionate Zulu man. A f#####g awesome brother. Hard worker. No-nonsense straight talker,’ Mlotshwa said on his X account.
Humanitarian and activist, Ulrich Janse Van Vuuren remembered Stock as a caring person and a South African patriot, saying,” Always viewed DJ Warras as someone who passionately cared about people and South Africa. Such tragic news of his untimely passing. Rest in peace. My condolences to his family.”
According to various media reports on Tuesday, the incident happened within the Carlton Centre business precinct, with a high police and private security presence seen just after the incident on Tuesday.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za
