South African DJ WARRAS fatally shot in Johannesburg.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - Tributes have continued to pour in following the death of South African DJ and media personality Warwick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, who was fatally shot in Johannesburg.

The incident happened on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, under circumstances that are still unclear. Reports indicate that the former 5FM presenter was involved in security related duties at the time of the shooting. Friends and colleagues confirmed the loss on social media, with fellow musician The Kiffness suggesting the shooting occurred during a routine security related activity.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, confirmed that a shooting took place in the Johannesburg central business district but declined to give further details.

“The department can confirm a shooting incident that happened this afternoon in the Johannesburg CBD. JMPD officers were first respondents to the incident when they were stopped by members of public who alerted them to the shooting,” Fihla said.

One of the earliest public tributes came from businessman and close friend Rob Hersov, who announced the news on X and described Warras in emotional terms.

“He was murdered today Johannesburg. I just want to say he is the most loving, compassionate, friendly, honest, open, decent human being, and it is a tragedy beyond belief. Warras, we love you, we miss you, may you rest in peace, brother,” Hersov wrote.

Warrick Stock, aged 39 and originally from Durban, built a wide ranging career in radio, television and business. He gained prominence on YFM before joining 5FM, later establishing himself as a club DJ and television host. Most recently, he presented the Mzansi Magic reality show Ngicel’iVisa, which premiered in October 2025. In an interview earlier this year, he spoke enthusiastically about returning to television and working on new music projects.

Outside the entertainment industry, Warras was also the owner of JT VIP: Elite Guarding and VIP Protection Services, a company that handled security for high profile events, including the Chris Brown concert and the opening of the new dome at FNB Stadium.

Additional unconfirmed reports claim that the DJ was shot during an eviction related operation connected to security work, alleging that an unidentified gunman approached and fired a single shot. Police in Gauteng had not issued an official comment on these claims at the time of reporting.

The death of DJ Warras adds to a growing list of South African music figures who have lost their lives to violent crime in recent years, further deepening concerns within the industry and among fans nationwide.