A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a nation grappling with rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the 40-year-old entertainer was accosted by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The motive of the incident is unknown and no suspects have been apprehended have taken place, as per the official statement.
Police revealed that Stock was ambushed as he was departing from a location near the city center landmark.
He had been present for hours at the property supervising the implementation of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, as per local media.
"It is alleged the victim was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before escaping on foot," an official report said.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocked hair and wearing what appeared to be a guard's attire opening fire on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but collapsed a short distance away.
Police added that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the incident.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were recovered from the crime scene.
Police have appealed eyewitnesses who may have witnessed the attack to contact them.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to find their location," added an official.
His family member, Nicole Stock, said the family was struggling to process his death.
"I am in shock. I don't have words," were her words.
"It is clear he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were willing to speak about. This is a profound tragedy."
She requested the community to not sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's young family.
Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a popular local broadcasting platform.
Beyond his media career, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including protective services, offering high-level security services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in building administration and was involved in building evictions.
His death has sent the nation reeling and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fans, the government and political parties.
A senior figure said he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's killing.
"He spoke his truth boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my actions as a public official. He was a shining model of who we must aspire to be," was his tribute.
A public representative commented the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "DJ Warras was far beyond a TV personality. He was a gifted communicator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every appearance. His commitment to his craft left an lasting impression."
In a release, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, approachability and quick humor, adding that his memory "will be remembered".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the planet's most severe murder rates, exacerbated by theft-related violence and gang violence, with some 63 people murdered daily according to recent data, based on government figures.
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