Culture Craze
DJ Warras Murdered in Joburg: Remembering Warrick Stock’s Life and Legacy
A familiar voice gone quiet in the city
Johannesburg woke up to a heavy silence after the killing of Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras. The 40-year-old radio host and television presenter was shot and killed outside Carlton City in the inner city on Tuesday, December 16. For many in Joburg, this was not just another crime headline. It felt personal.
Warras was one of those broadcasters who sounded like someone you knew. Warm, direct, and opinionated without being cruel. A voice that cut through traffic noise and long commutes, especially for listeners who grew up with him on the radio and later watched him on television.
What happened outside Carlton City
According to police, the incident unfolded shortly after Warras parked his vehicle at Carlton City. He was allegedly approached by three unknown suspects who opened fire and fled the scene on foot. The motive remains unknown, and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.
The location has unsettled many locals. Carlton City is a recognisable landmark, busy, central, and familiar. The fact that a well-known media figure was killed there has reignited uncomfortable conversations about safety in Johannesburg’s inner city.
Grief from friends and colleagues
Businessman Robert Hersov, a close friend, described Warras as loving, compassionate, and deeply decent. On social media, he called him a brother and friend, words that echoed the tone of countless tributes that followed.
Musician The Kiffness shared a stark black and white image of Warras with a simple message of loss. Media personality Sol Phenduka posted his distress online as rumours circulated, followed by a brief but emotional acknowledgement once the news was confirmed.
Mzansi Magic praised him as more than a host, thanking him for moments that shaped local television culture. Other posts spoke of his patriotism, his work ethic, and his fierce love for South Africa.
From Durban beginnings to national prominence
Born in Durban, Warras built his career from radio upwards. His breakthrough came in 2008 when he joined YFM, a station synonymous with youth culture and sharp opinions. He later moved to 5FM, expanding his reach nationally.
Television followed. In 2012, he joined Live AMP on SABC1, where he became a familiar face for nearly six years. In recent times, he co-hosted The Shady PHodcast with DJ PH and earlier this year took on the role of host for the local reality show Ngicel’iVisa.
Across platforms, his style stayed consistent. Bold, engaged, and unapologetically local.
@Shady_Lurker aka Warras, Rest in Peace! We love you 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/v4lhyJ0rLB
— Rob Hersov (@RobertHersov) December 16, 2025
Why his death hits differently
South Africans are no strangers to violent crime, yet certain losses cut deeper. Warras spoke openly about crime, identity, and responsibility. Supporters have noted the painful irony that someone so vocal about the country’s challenges became a victim of them.
He is survived by his three sons, a detail that has added to the heartbreak expressed online. For many parents and listeners, this has brought the tragedy sharply into focus.
DJ Warras was more than a host. Thank you for the laughter, the stories, and the unforgettable Mzansi Magic moments. Your legacy will live on. pic.twitter.com/40AFoCSfCi
— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) December 16, 2025
A legacy that does not fade
DJ Warras will be remembered for more than his shows. He represented a generation of broadcasters who refused to play it safe, who believed local stories mattered, and who carried South African identity proudly.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear. South Africa did not just lose a presenter. It lost a voice that reflected the country back to itself, flaws and all.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
