South African DJ and media personality DJ Warras was shot dead in a Johannesburg drive-by shooting while on security duty, prompting an outpouring of tributes. The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, cutting short the life of the former 5FM presenter and owner of a VIP protection firm.
Confusion And Tributes Follow Fatal Shooting
The details surrounding DJ Warras’s death remain unclear. Superintendent Xolani Fihla of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department confirmed a shooting incident in the Johannesburg CBD but provided no specifics.
“The department can confirm a shooting incident that happened this afternoon in the Johannesburg CBD. JMPD officers were first respondents to the incident when they were stopped by members of public who alerted them to the shooting.”
Initial reports about the DJ’s condition were conflicting. Businessman and friend Rob Hersov was among the first to share the devastating news on X, passionately paying tribute. Fellow musician The Kiffness speculated the incident happened as Warras was managing security during an eviction.
A Multifaceted Career Cut Short
Warrick Stock, known professionally as DJ Warras, built a diverse career spanning radio, television, and entrepreneurship. After rising to prominence on YFM and later 5FM, he became a well-known club DJ and TV presenter. He most recently hosted Mzansi Magic’s new reality show Ngicel’iVisa. Beyond entertainment, he was the owner of JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a security company that had provided safety for major events.
A Pattern Of Violence In The Industry
The murder of DJ Warras adds his name to a grim list of South African music personalities killed in recent years. Security analyst Chad Thomas of IRS Forensic Investigations commented on the disturbing trend and the broader issues within the private security sector.
“Security companies are being bought up by a myriad of operators, some for nefarious purposes such as being private militias with access to legitimate weapons for illegitimate purposes.”
He highlighted that VIP protection companies are sometimes used to settle business disputes.