A popular South African media personality and entertainer has been fatally gunned down in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country battling entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon.
Officials stated the forty-year-old media personality was approached by a trio of assailants, one of whom shot at him before running away.
The purpose of the attack has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, police said.
Authorities revealed that Stock was ambushed as he was departing from a building close to the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the site supervising the installation of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by squatters, according to reports.
"It is alleged the deceased was confronted by three unidentified men after parking his vehicle, and they shot at him before escaping on foot," an official report said.
CCTV footage reportedly depicted a individual with dreadlocked hair and dressed in what looked like a security uniform firing shots on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries 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 attack.
Key evidence, like cartridges, were recovered from the crime scene.
Police have appealed members of the public who may have seen the suspects to contact them.
"Our information indicates they covered significant ground after the attack, and investigators have been following their trail to determine their whereabouts," added an official.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.
"Words fail me. I don't have words," she said.
"We know he was a champion for numerous individuals. He was a fearless commentator about topics not many people were ready to speak about. This is a devastating blow."
She appealed to the public to not sharing explicit content from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, especially for Stock's young family.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that premiered on a popular local broadcasting platform.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including private security, supplying high-level security services and protecting major functions across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in building administration and was involved in property reclaimations.
His murder has sent the nation reeling and prompted an flood of condolences from his followers, the authorities and various organizations.
A government minister commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright boldly and honestly. He even challenged me and my policies as a public official. He was a shining model of who we should be," was his tribute.
A political leader commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director noted that "DJ Warras was more than just a TV personality. He was a skilled narrator, a true devotee of sound and a warm soul who brought happiness and vitality to every appearance. His commitment to his craft left an profound impact."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, approachability and sharp wit, adding that his influence "will be remembered".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the globally elevated homicide statistics, driven by robberies and syndicate wars, with some 63 people murdered daily between April and September, according to government figures.
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