A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a nation grappling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was attacked in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Police said the forty-year-old entertainer was approached by three suspects, with one began shooting at him before escaping on foot.
The motive of the incident has not been established and no arrests have taken place, police said.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was targeted as he was departing from a building near the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the building overseeing the installation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, it was reported.
"The report indicates the victim was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot," authorities stated.
Security camera video reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and dressed in what looked like a protective services outfit opening fire on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries on the opposite side of the road.
Police added that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the attack.
Important clues, like bullet casings, were discovered at the crime scene.
Authorities have requested members of the public who may have have information to assist with the investigation.
"Our information indicates they traveled on foot after the attack, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to establish their destination," remarked an authority figure.
His sister, a close relative, stated the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.
"Words fail me. I cannot express the pain," were her words.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were ready to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She appealed to the community to avoid sharing graphic images from the scene, noting this was an incredibly difficult time, above all for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a reality show that was broadcast on a South African broadcasting platform.
Apart from his work in broadcasting, Stock was active in various commercial activities, including protective services, supplying elite guarding services and protecting prestigious gatherings across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in property management and was involved in building evictions.
His murder has shocked the country and led to an outpouring of tributes from his followers, the government and political parties.
A senior figure commented he was angry and saddened by Stock's murder.
"He was forthright fearlessly and impartially. He even spoke up against me and my decisions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we must aspire to be," was his tribute.
A party figurehead said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in broad daylight is a tragedy for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director noted that "Stock was not merely a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a true devotee of sound and a warm soul who brought excitement and dynamism to every performance. His artistic passion left an profound impact."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for declared Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and intelligent commentary, adding that his memory "will live on".
South Africa, the region's leading economy, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, driven by theft-related violence and organized criminal activity, with some dozens of citizens murdered daily according to recent data, as per government figures.
Felix is a tech journalist with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics, specializing in smartphones and smart home devices.