A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a nation battling persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was attacked in the central business district on a Tuesday afternoon.
Officials stated the 40-year-old media personality was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom shot at him before fleeing on foot.
The motive of the incident remains unclear and no arrests are in custody, as per the official statement.
Police said that Stock was attacked as he was departing from a building in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the site managing the implementation of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, it was reported.
"The report indicates the deceased was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they shot at him before running from the location on foot," a police statement confirmed.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a individual with dreadlocked hair and clad in what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ tried to run away after he was shot but collapsed on the opposite side of the road.
Police added that Stock had an weapon on his person and no items were stolen during the incident.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were recovered from the scene.
Police have appealed anyone who saw the event who may have have information to come forward.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the shooting, and police have been following their trail to determine their destination," added an official.
His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed the loved ones are reeling to process his death.
"Words fail me. I cannot express the pain," were her words.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about issues not many people were prepared to discuss. This is a tremendous loss."
She requested the public to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the scene, saying this was an deeply traumatic time, particularly for Stock's young family.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that premiered on a South African broadcasting platform.
Beyond his media career, Stock was active in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including protective services, offering VIP protection services and protecting major functions across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in building administration and was involved in property reclaimations.
His killing has caused national trauma and prompted an wave of remembrances from his followers, the government and political parties.
A government minister remarked he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's untimely death.
"He spoke his truth fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my decisions as a public official. He was a pure example of who we should be," he stated.
A political leader commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "DJ Warras was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a gifted communicator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a kind-hearted individual who brought excitement and dynamism to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his legacy "will endure".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the world's highest rates of violent death, exacerbated by robberies and organized criminal activity, with some 63 people killed each day in a recent six-month period, as per official statistics.
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