A popular South African radio and club DJ has been shot dead in the nation's economic hub Johannesburg, causing national outrage across a country struggling with entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Police said the 40-year-old media personality was approached by three individuals, with one began shooting at him before fleeing on foot.
The purpose behind the attack has not been established and no one has been arrested have taken place, police said.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was ambushed as he was leaving a building in the vicinity of the Carlton Centre.
He had devoted time at the site supervising the implementation of security systems, which had been reportedly taken over by unknown people, it was reported.
"The report indicates the deceased was approached by three unknown suspects after he parked his car, and they opened fire at him before running from the location on foot," an official report said.
Security camera video reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocked hair and wearing what resembled a security uniform shooting on Stock before running away.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was hit but succumbed to his injuries across the street.
It was further revealed that Stock had an gun that was not fired and it was not a robbery during the attack.
Crucial forensic evidence, like spent shells, were discovered at the location.
Police have appealed members of the public who may have seen the suspects to contact them.
"We know they traveled on foot after the shooting, and police have been attempting to locate them to find their destination," remarked an authority figure.
His sister, Nicole Stock, said the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.
"I am in shock. I am shattered," she said.
"Everyone understood he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about subjects not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She requested the community to refrain from sharing disturbing footage from the incident, noting this was an extremely painful time, above all for Stock's children.
Stock was the host of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a popular local digital satellite entertainment channel.
Apart from his media career, Stock was active in various entrepreneurial pursuits, including security provision, offering elite guarding services and managing safety for high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also reportedly involved in building administration and assisted with property reclaimations.
His murder has sent the nation reeling and triggered an outpouring of tributes from his fans, the government and various organizations.
A government minister commented he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.
"He expressed his views fearlessly and impartially. He even spoke up against me and my actions as a public official. He was a shining model of who we should be," was his tribute.
A political leader stated the "audacious attack of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director said that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a true devotee of sound and a generous spirit who brought excitement and dynamism to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an lasting impression."
In a statement, the network he worked for affirmed Stock was known for his charisma, kindness and intelligent commentary, adding that his influence "will endure".
South Africa, the African economic powerhouse, has one of the world's highest murder rates, driven by robberies and organized criminal activity, with some 63 people killed each day according to recent data, as per official statistics.
Elara Vance is a seasoned business analyst with over a decade of experience covering international markets and industrial transformations.