A prominent South African radio and club DJ has been murdered in the country's largest city Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country battling persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the downtown area on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Officials stated the 40-year-old presenter was confronted by a trio of assailants, with one opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The motive behind the attack is unknown and no suspects have been apprehended have been made, police said.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a premises in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the site supervising the installation of safety equipment, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people, according to reports.
"Authorities believe the deceased was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before running from the location on foot," an official report said.
Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a individual with dreadlocked hair and wearing what resembled a guard's attire shooting on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was wounded but fell down a short distance away.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the assault.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were discovered at the scene.
Officials are asking eyewitnesses who may have seen the suspects to contact them.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and officers have been tracking them to find their destination," remarked an authority figure.
His sister, Nicole Stock, said the loved ones are reeling to come to terms with the loss.
"I am in shock. I am shattered," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He addressed issues courageously about issues not many people were ready to discuss. This is a devastating blow."
She urged the citizens to not sharing explicit content from the scene, noting this was an extremely painful time, especially for Stock's young family.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that was broadcast on a popular local TV network.
Apart from his work in broadcasting, Stock was engaged in various commercial activities, including private security, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in property management and participated in property reclaimations.
His death has sent the nation reeling and prompted an outpouring of tributes from his fans, the government and political parties.
A cabinet official commented he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even spoke up against me and my actions as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," he stated.
A public representative said the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a shock for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director noted that "Stock was far beyond a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an indefinable mark."
In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, approachability and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will endure".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, exacerbated by robberies and syndicate wars, with some 63 people murdered daily in a recent six-month period, based on official statistics.
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