A prominent South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country battling rampant crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the downtown area on a Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities reported the forty-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, with one began shooting at him before running away.
The purpose behind the incident has not been established and no arrests have taken place, as per the official statement.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was targeted as he was departing from a location close to the Carlton Centre.
He had spent several hours at the site managing the implementation of safety equipment, which had been illegally inhabited by unknown people, it was reported.
"It is alleged the deceased was approached by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before running from the location on foot," an official report stated.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a individual with dreadlocked hair and wearing what resembled a protective services outfit opening fire on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ sought to escape after he was wounded but fell down a short distance away.
It was further revealed that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the incident.
Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were recovered from the crime scene.
Officials are asking members of the public who may have have information to assist with the investigation.
"We know they covered significant ground after the shooting, and police have been following their trail to find their location," stated a police chief.
His sister, a close relative, stated the family was struggling to process his death.
"Words fail me. I am shattered," were her words.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He addressed issues courageously about subjects not many people were ready to discuss. This is a devastating blow."
She requested the community to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the scene, noting this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's young family.
Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that aired on a South African TV network.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was active in various business ventures, including security provision, providing elite guarding services and protecting high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in property management and assisted with building evictions.
His killing has sent the nation reeling and triggered an flood of condolences from his followers, the authorities and political parties.
A government minister commented he was outraged and heartbroken by Stock's murder.
"He expressed his views fearlessly and impartially. He even challenged me and my policies as a public official. He was a pure example of who we ought to be," he stated.
A political leader said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director said that "Stock was more than just a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a warm soul who brought joy and energy to every moment on screen. His commitment to his craft left an indefinable mark."
In a statement, the network he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and sharp wit, adding that his memory "will endure".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the planet's most severe homicide statistics, exacerbated by theft-related violence and organized criminal activity, with some 63 people losing their lives per day between April and September, according to police data.