A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the country's largest city Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country grappling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the city centre on a Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the 40-year-old media personality was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The motive of the shooting remains unclear and no one has been arrested have been made, according to authorities.
Police said that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a location in the vicinity of the city center landmark.
He had been present for hours at the building overseeing the implementation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by squatters, it was reported.
"It is alleged the deceased was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before running from the location on foot," a police statement confirmed.
Security camera video reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocked hair and dressed in what resembled a protective services outfit opening fire on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but succumbed to his injuries on the opposite side of the road.
Officials noted that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the attack.
Important clues, like spent shells, were found at the location.
Police have appealed eyewitnesses who may have witnessed the attack to assist with the investigation.
"We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and officers have been following their trail to find their whereabouts," added an official.
His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed the loved ones are reeling to understand the tragedy.
"Words fail me. I don't have words," were her words.
"We know he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about subjects not many people were ready to tackle. This is a profound tragedy."
She appealed to the citizens to avoid sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult 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.
In addition to his media career, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including private security, supplying VIP protection services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in property management and assisted with building evictions.
His murder has shocked the country and triggered an wave of remembrances from his fans, the authorities and political parties.
A senior figure said he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright fearlessly and impartially. He even criticized me and my policies as a public official. He was a shining model of who we should be," the minister added.
A public representative said the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "Stock was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought happiness and vitality to every performance. His artistic passion left an profound impact."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, warmth and sharp wit, adding that his influence "will live on".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the planet's most severe murder rates, driven by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some over sixty individuals murdered daily according to recent data, as per police data.
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