A prominent South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country grappling with rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, widely recognized as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on a Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old media personality was approached by three individuals, one of whom began shooting at him before running away.
The reason behind the incident remains unclear and no one has been arrested have taken place, police said.
Police said that Stock was ambushed as he was leaving a building in the vicinity of the city center landmark.
He had devoted time at the property supervising the installation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, according to reports.
"The report indicates the man was confronted by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they began shooting at him before fleeing the scene on foot," an official report confirmed.
CCTV footage showed a suspect with dreadlocked hair and clad in what appeared to be a security uniform shooting on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ tried to run away after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries on the opposite side of the road.
It was further revealed that Stock had an unused firearm and no items were stolen during the assault.
Crucial forensic evidence, like cartridges, were recovered from the location.
Police have appealed anyone who saw the event who may have witnessed the attack to assist with the investigation.
"Evidence suggests they traveled on foot after the attack, and police have been tracking them to establish their location," added an official.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.
"I am in shock. I don't have words," she said.
"It is clear he was a voice for many people. He spoke out bravely about issues not many people were willing to discuss. This is a devastating blow."
She requested the public to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the incident, saying this was an deeply traumatic time, particularly for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that premiered on a popular local broadcasting platform.
Apart from his role as a presenter, Stock was involved in various business ventures, including private security, offering elite guarding services and protecting high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in building administration and assisted with building evictions.
His death has shocked the country and triggered an wave of remembrances from his fans, the government and various organizations.
A cabinet official remarked he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's untimely death.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even criticized me and my actions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we should be," the minister added.
A party figurehead commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director noted that "Stock was not merely a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a generous spirit who brought happiness and vitality to every moment on screen. His artistic passion left an lasting impression."
In a communication, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his charisma, warmth and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will live on".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the world's highest murder rates, driven by property crime and organized criminal activity, with some dozens of citizens killed each day between April and September, according to police data.
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