Johannesburg has been rocked by a brazen act of violence following the fatal shooting of Warrick Stock popularly known as DJ Warras during an inspection of the hijacked Zambezi building. The shocking details were confirmed by the City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku who said the incident unfolded while the DJ accompanied the property owner to view the long-problematic structure.
According to Dr Tshwaku DJ Warras and the owner had entered the building to assess its condition when they were confronted by armed suspects. Gunfire erupted inside the premises fatally wounding the popular entertainer. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene but DJ Warras was declared dead before he could be transported to hospital.
The killing has once again thrust Johannesburg hijacked buildings crisis into the spotlight. The Zambezi building is among several inner-city properties seized by criminal syndicates often turned into hubs of illegal activity and violence. Dr Tshwaku described the incident as a tragic consequence of entrenched lawlessness and warned that such buildings remain dangerous zones for civilians and officials alike.
This senseless killing exposes the severe risks associated with hijacked buildings Tshwaku said. It is unacceptable that people can be murdered simply for entering a property they lawfully own or are inspecting. The City will intensify efforts to reclaim these buildings and restore safety.
Police have opened a murder docket and launched a manhunt for the suspects involved. While the motive remains unclear, investigators are probing whether the shooting was a targeted attack or an act of intimidation linked to the illegal occupation of the building. Detectives are also canvassing the area for witnesses and reviewing any available surveillance footage.
DJ Warras was a respected figure in Johannesburg’s nightlife and music scene, known for his energetic performances and strong connection with fans. News of his death has sparked an outpouring of grief from fellow DJs promoters and supporters many of whom have condemned the violence and called for urgent action against criminal networks operating in hijacked properties.
Community safety advocates say the incident highlights the urgent need for coordinated action between law enforcement city authorities and property owners. Hijacked buildings they warn continue to undermine urban regeneration efforts while exposing innocent people to deadly danger.
As tributes continue to pour in DJ Warras killing stands as a grim reminder of the human cost of urban crime. For Johannesburg the tragedy has renewed calls for decisive intervention to dismantle criminal strongholds and ensure that reclaiming the city does not come at the price of more lost lives.
