A popular South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the metropolis of Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country grappling with rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was attacked in the central business district on a Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old entertainer was accosted by a trio of assailants, one of whom began shooting at him before running away.
The reason of the shooting is unknown and no one has been arrested have taken place, according to authorities.
Police indicated that Stock was targeted as he was leaving a building in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the building supervising the setup of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, as per local media.
"It is alleged the victim was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they shot at him before fleeing the scene on foot," an official report stated.
CCTV footage showed a suspect with dreadlocked hair and clad in what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ tried to run away after he was wounded but succumbed to his injuries a short distance away.
It was further revealed that Stock had an gun that was not fired and nothing was taken during the attack.
Key evidence, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene.
Officials are asking eyewitnesses who may have seen the suspects to come forward.
"We know they covered significant ground after the shooting, and officers have been tracking them to find their destination," remarked an authority figure.
His sister, Nicole Stock, said the relatives are devastated to understand the tragedy.
"Words fail me. I am shattered," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He was a fearless commentator about subjects not many people were prepared to discuss. This is a profound tragedy."
She urged the citizens to not sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that aired on a South African digital satellite entertainment channel.
Beyond his role as a presenter, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including protective services, supplying high-level security services and securing prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in building administration and assisted with property reclaimations.
His killing has sent the nation reeling and led to an flood of condolences from his followers, the government and political parties.
A government minister said he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder.
"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even challenged me and my actions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," he stated.
A political leader stated the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive noted that "DJ Warras was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a gifted communicator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought excitement and dynamism to every appearance. His artistic passion left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and sharp wit, adding that his influence "will be remembered".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, exacerbated by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some 63 people murdered daily in a recent six-month period, based on police data.
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