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A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country grappling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was attacked in the city centre on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Officials stated the 40-year-old presenter was approached by three suspects, with one opened fire on him before running away.
The purpose of the shooting remains unclear and no arrests are in custody, police said.
Authorities indicated that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a building close to the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the building supervising the setup of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by unidentified individuals, it was reported.
"It is alleged the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they shot at him before running from the location on foot," an official report said.
Surveillance tape showed a suspect with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was hit but collapsed across the street.
Officials noted that Stock had an unused firearm and it was not a robbery during the incident.
Important clues, like bullet casings, were discovered at the scene.
Officials are asking members of the public who may have have information to come forward.
"Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the attack, and officers have been attempting to locate them to determine their whereabouts," stated a police chief.
His family member, Nicole Stock, expressed the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss.
"I am devastated. I am shattered," she said.
"We know he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were ready to discuss. This is a tremendous loss."
She urged the public to not sharing explicit content from the incident, saying this was an extremely painful time, especially for Stock's young family.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that premiered on a South African TV network.
Beyond his work in broadcasting, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including protective services, providing elite guarding services and securing major functions across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in building administration and was involved in building evictions.
His murder has caused national trauma and led to an wave of remembrances from his audience, the government and various organizations.
A senior figure remarked he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's killing.
"He spoke his truth boldly and honestly. He even criticized me and my actions as a minister. He was a shining model of who we must aspire to be," he stated.
A party figurehead said the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a shock for all South Africans".
A industry leader noted that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every performance. His artistic passion left an profound impact."
In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his presence, approachability and sharp wit, adding that his influence "will live on".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the world's highest murder rates, fuelled by robberies and organized criminal activity, with some 63 people killed each day in a recent six-month period, according to government figures.
A tech enthusiast and hardware reviewer specializing in storage solutions and system performance optimization.