A City Pauses for DJ Warras: Court Return Brings Grief, Hope and a Call for Unity

A City Pauses for DJ Warras: Court Return Brings Grief, Hope and a Call for Unity

Johannesburg will wake up a little heavier on Tuesday morning as the murder case of Warrick Robert Stock, known to many as DJ Warras, returns to the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.

For his family, friends and supporters, this isn’t just another court date. It’s a moment of remembrance, quiet solidarity and a plea for justice to be allowed to run its course without anger or division tearing at the edges.

A Life Lost in the CBD

DJ Warras was shot and killed in December outside the Zambesi House building in Johannesburg’s CBD while working as a security contractor at the premises. The killing sent shockwaves through both the city’s nightlife community and the often-overlooked private security sector, a workforce that regularly puts itself in harm’s way to keep others safe.

In the chaotic aftermath, three people were initially suspected of involvement in the shooting, including a man described as having dreadlocks. Since then, the case has narrowed.

Last month, 44-year-old Victor Mthethwa Majola made a brief appearance in court and now faces a charge of premeditated murder linked to Stock’s death.

“Not Protest, But Peace”

Ahead of Tuesday’s proceedings, the Stock family made a heartfelt appeal to South Africans: choose unity over outrage.

Rather than calling for protests or confrontation, the family asked supporters to change their social media profile pictures to solid white squares from Tuesday morning, a symbol of peace, dignity and shared grief.

On platforms like X and Instagram, the response has been quietly powerful. White icons began appearing across timelines on Monday night, accompanied by messages calling for justice, healing and accountability.

A Candle for Justice

The family also encouraged South Africans to light a candle at 6pm on Tuesday, wherever they may be.

The candlelighting, they said, is meant to honour DJ Warras’ life, but also to serve as a collective prayer for fairness in the courts, clarity in the investigation and peace for a family still trying to process an unthinkable loss.

In a country where violent crime so often leaves families feeling unheard, the gesture has resonated. Many have shared that the quiet act feels more meaningful than shouting into the void.

A Familiar Story in an Unforgiving City

DJ Warras’ death has reopened painful conversations about safety in Johannesburg’s CBD, especially for security guards who work long, dangerous hours with limited protection.

For many locals, this case feels personal. It reflects a broader struggle with violence, accountability and trust in the justice system, issues that cut across race, class and neighbourhood lines.

What Happens Next

Majola is expected to appear in the dock on Tuesday as investigations continue. While this court appearance is procedural, it marks another step in a process the family hopes will be thorough, fair and transparent.

For now, they are asking the country to stand with them, quietly, respectfully and united.

As candles flicker across living rooms, pavements and balconies on Tuesday evening, Johannesburg will remember DJ Warras not only as a victim of violence, but as a life that mattered and a reminder that justice, when it comes, should do so with dignity.

{Source: IOL}

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