A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the metropolis of Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a nation grappling with rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old media personality was approached by three suspects, one of whom opened fire on him before escaping on foot.
The reason of the shooting has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended have been made, according to authorities.
Police indicated that Stock was attacked as he was departing from a location near the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the property managing the setup of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, as per local media.
"It is alleged the victim was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they shot at him before fleeing the scene on foot," authorities said.
Security camera video reportedly captured a man with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before running away.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was wounded but collapsed a short distance away.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and nothing was taken during the incident.
Key evidence, like spent shells, were found at the location.
Police have appealed anyone who saw the event who may have seen the suspects to assist with the investigation.
"Our information indicates they covered significant ground after the shooting, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to establish their location," remarked an authority figure.
His family member, Nicole Stock, expressed the family was struggling to process his death.
"I am in shock. I don't have words," she said.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He addressed issues courageously about topics not many people were prepared to speak about. This is a devastating blow."
She requested the community to avoid sharing explicit content 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 series that was broadcast on a South African broadcasting platform.
Beyond his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various business ventures, including private security, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in building administration and assisted with property reclaimations.
His murder has sent the nation reeling and prompted an wave of remembrances from his audience, the government and various organizations.
A government minister said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even criticized me and my policies as a minister. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," was his tribute.
A public representative said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director expressed that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought happiness and vitality to every appearance. His dedication to creativity left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, warmth and sharp wit, adding that his memory "will be remembered".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, exacerbated by theft-related violence and syndicate wars, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily in a recent six-month period, based on official statistics.
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