A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a nation battling entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Officials stated the 40-year-old entertainer was approached by three individuals, one of whom began shooting at him before escaping on foot.
The motive of the shooting has not been established and no one has been arrested have been made, police said.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was attacked as he was departing from a location near the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the property managing the setup of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, according to reports.
"The report indicates the victim was approached by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before escaping on foot," an official report confirmed.
Surveillance tape reportedly captured a individual with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away.
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 gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the incident.
Crucial forensic evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the location.
Authorities have requested members of the public who may have have information to assist with the investigation.
"Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been following their trail to determine their whereabouts," stated a police chief.
His sister, a close relative, stated the family was struggling to process his death.
"Words fail me. I am shattered," she said.
"We know he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She appealed to the community to avoid sharing graphic images from the incident, explaining this was an extremely painful time, above all for Stock's young family.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that was broadcast on a South African broadcasting platform.
Beyond his work in broadcasting, Stock was involved in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including private security, offering high-level security services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in real estate operations and was involved in building evictions.
His murder has shocked the country and triggered an flood of condolences from his followers, the government and political parties.
A government minister commented he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He expressed his views fearlessly and impartially. He even spoke up against me and my policies as a public official. He was a pure example of who we ought to be," he stated.
A political leader stated the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "Stock was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an lasting impression."
In a statement, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and quick humor, adding that his legacy "will be remembered".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the globally elevated murder rates, exacerbated by property crime and gang violence, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily between April and September, as per police data.
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