A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country battling rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the 40-year-old presenter was confronted by three suspects, one of whom shot at him before running away.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, according to authorities.
Police revealed that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a building near the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the property managing the setup of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people, it was reported.
"Authorities believe the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they shot at him before fleeing the scene on foot," an official report stated.
Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a suspect with dreadlocks and clad in what appeared to be a security uniform firing shots on Stock before running away.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was shot but fell down across the street.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the incident.
Important clues, like spent shells, were found at the scene.
Authorities have requested anyone who saw the event who may have have information to come forward.
"Evidence suggests they traveled on foot after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to find their destination," added an official.
His sister, Nicole Stock, expressed the family was struggling to process his death.
"Words fail me. I don't have words," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a champion for numerous individuals. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were ready to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She urged the public to avoid sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, especially for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that was broadcast on a South African digital satellite entertainment channel.
Beyond his work in broadcasting, Stock was engaged in various commercial activities, including security provision, providing high-level security services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in property management and participated in property reclaimations.
His death has caused national trauma and prompted an wave of remembrances from his audience, the authorities and political parties.
A government minister commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's untimely death.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even challenged me and my actions as a minister. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," he stated.
A public representative said the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans".
A media executive said that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His dedication to creativity left an lasting impression."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, approachability and quick humor, adding that his memory "will live on".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated murder rates, driven by theft-related violence and gang violence, with some over sixty individuals killed each day between April and September, as per government figures.
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