A popular South African media personality and entertainer has been murdered in the metropolis of Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a country struggling with persistent crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was shot and killed in the downtown area on a Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the forty-year-old media personality was approached by three individuals, one of whom shot at him before escaping on foot.
The reason of the attack has not been established and no one has been arrested have been made, according to authorities.
Law enforcement revealed that Stock was attacked as he was leaving a location in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the building supervising the setup of security systems, which had been controversially occupied by unknown people, according to reports.
"Authorities believe the deceased was confronted by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before fleeing the scene on foot," a police statement stated.
CCTV footage showed a individual with dreadlocked hair and wearing what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before making his escape.
The DJ sought to escape after he was hit but collapsed a short distance away.
Police added that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the incident.
Important clues, like cartridges, were found at the scene.
Police have appealed 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 police have been attempting to locate them to establish their location," remarked an authority figure.
His family member, Nicole Stock, stated the family was struggling to process his death.
"I am in shock. I don't have words," she said.
"It is clear he was a champion for numerous individuals. He was a fearless commentator about subjects not many people were willing to discuss. This is a profound tragedy."
She appealed to the citizens to not sharing disturbing footage from the incident, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, particularly for Stock's children.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that premiered on a South African broadcasting platform.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was involved in various commercial activities, including protective services, supplying elite guarding services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in real estate operations and was involved in property reclaimations.
His murder has shocked the country and triggered an flood of condolences from his followers, the government and political parties.
A government minister commented he was furious and grief-stricken by Stock's murder.
"He spoke his truth without fear or favour. He even spoke up against me and my actions as a public official. He was a true embodiment of who we should be," he stated.
A political leader said the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A industry leader noted that "DJ Warras was not merely a face of a reality series. He was a skilled narrator, a passionate music lover and a kind-hearted individual who brought excitement and dynamism to every moment on screen. His commitment to his craft left an indefinable mark."
In a release, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his presence, approachability and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will endure".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the globally elevated rates of violent death, driven by property crime and syndicate wars, with some 63 people killed each day according to recent data, based on police data.