A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the metropolis of Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country battling persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was attacked in the downtown area on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials stated the 40-year-old presenter was approached by three individuals, one of whom opened fire on him before running away.
The reason of the incident has not been established and no arrests have been made, as per the official statement.
Authorities revealed that Stock was ambushed as he was exiting a location close to the Carlton Centre.
He had spent several hours at the building managing the implementation of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by squatters, according to reports.
"It is alleged the man was confronted by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they began shooting at him before running from the location on foot," authorities confirmed.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocks and dressed in what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but succumbed to his injuries across the street.
Officials noted that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the assault.
Key evidence, like spent shells, were recovered from the crime scene.
Authorities have requested eyewitnesses who may have witnessed the attack to contact them.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and investigators have been following their trail to establish their destination," added an official.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the loved ones are reeling to understand the tragedy.
"I am in shock. I cannot express the pain," were her words.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He spoke out bravely about subjects not many people were ready to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She appealed to the citizens to avoid sharing graphic images from the scene, saying this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that was broadcast on a South African digital satellite entertainment channel.
Apart from his work in broadcasting, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including security provision, supplying elite guarding services and securing prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in real estate operations and was involved in tenant removals.
His death has caused national trauma and led to an wave of remembrances from his audience, the government and political parties.
A government minister commented he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He expressed his views without fear or favour. He even challenged me and my policies as a minister. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," he stated.
A party figurehead stated the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director expressed that "DJ Warras was far beyond a TV personality. He was a gifted communicator, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought happiness and vitality to every performance. His artistic passion left an indefinable mark."
In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, warmth and quick humor, adding that his memory "will live on".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated homicide statistics, driven by theft-related violence and organized criminal activity, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily according to recent data, as per official statistics.
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