DJ Warras

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DJ Warras
Born
Warrick Stock

(1985-11-27)27 November 1985
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Died16 December 2025(2025-12-16) (aged 40)
Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Other namesShady Lurker
OccupationsDisc jockey, radio presenter, television presenter, podcaster, businessman
Years active2008–2025
Known forYFM, 5FM, Live AMP, Ngicel’iVisa, Shady PHodcast, JT VIP security
Children3

Warrick Stock (27 November 1985 – 16 December 2025), better known as DJ Warras, was a South African DJ, radio and television presenter, podcaster and businessman. He hosted youth-oriented radio shows on stations such as YFM and 5FM,[1][2] and became well known as a presenter on SABC1’s music show Live AMP.[3] In 2025 he was the host of the Mzansi Magic reality series Ngicel’iVisa.[4] He also co-hosted the popular online Shady PHodcast.[5]

Outside broadcasting, Stock ran JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a VIP security firm handling high-profile events.[5][6] Stock was fatally shot in central Johannesburg on 16 December 2025.[7][8]

Early life and background

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Stock was born in Durban on 27 November 1985. He moved to Johannesburg as a teenager, and credited his grandfather as a major influence on his upbringing.[1] He was multilingual and often spoke in English, Zulu and Afrikaans on air; Minister Gayton McKenzie noted that Stock “loved the Zulu language and Afrikaans.”[9]

Stock grew up living with his mother and grandparents, and later became a father of three sons. From an early age he gravitated toward music and broadcasting, eventually pursuing a media career that would span nearly two decades.[1]

Career

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Radio

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Stock broke into the radio industry in 2008 at Durban station YFM.[1] He started on late-night “graveyard” shifts and quickly moved into more prominent slots, eventually hosting the drive-time show En Route 6. In 2014 he joined the national youth station 5FM. There he co-hosted the popular late-night program The 5th Element alongside Tumi Voster.[6]

In 2017 Stock left 5FM, stating that he wanted to focus on his growing business ventures.[6] After a brief hiatus, he returned to radio in late 2019 on Durban’s Gagasi FM. There he co-hosted the afternoon drive show That Drive (weekdays 3–6 pm).[10][3]

Television and podcasting

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Stock became a television personality. From around 2012 to 2018 he was a presenter on the SABC1 music magazine show Live AMP, reportedly the longest-serving host in the programme’s history.[2] He later appeared on SABC3’s youth talk show The Man Cave.[3] In late 2025, Warras took on a new TV role as the host of Mzansi Magic’s reality series Ngicel’iVisa.[4] He also produced and published music mixes on online platforms, and in mid-2025 announced he was exploring recording new music and DJ work to be released in 2026.

Stock was an early adopter of podcasting. He co-hosted The Shady PHodcast with fellow DJ Penuel “DJ PH” Mlotshwa, discussing pop culture and current affairs. The podcast, known for its candid talk, further expanded his reach into digital media. He had also collaborated with other podcasters (such as the “Black Pen” Penuel on Punani) and often cited podcasting as a key part of his later career.[5]

Business ventures

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Outside of media, Stock built a business career in security and entrepreneurship. He founded JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a private security firm that provided bodyguards and event security for concerts and VIP clients.[11] The company started with about 20 guards and grew to around 200, giving security services at major events (such as an international concert in Johannesburg) and to high-profile individuals.[12]

Stock publicly stated that he took a break from radio to focus on these businesses. He said, “We do VIP bodyguarding and security. We also work on big festivals and look after high-profile local individuals.”[12] In addition, Stock was co-owner of several properties in Johannesburg’s CBD, including the Zambesi House building.[9] He was involved in managing and inspecting these properties through his security company.

Personal life

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Warrick Stock was based in Johannesburg but frequently visited family in KwaZulu-Natal. He was a father of three sons.[1] He had a sister named Nicole.

Death

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On the afternoon of 16 December 2025, Stock was fatally shot in Johannesburg. According to police, he parked his car on Commissioner Street in Hillbrow (opposite the Carlton Centre) as part of an inspection of a building he co-owned. Moments later he was approached by at least three men, one of whom opened fire at close range.[7][13] Witnesses said Stock did not respond before the gunman and accomplices fled on foot. Paramedics and first responders arrived quickly, but Stock was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 40.[14]

The Johannesburg police opened a murder investigation. Gauteng Police spokesperson Major-General Fred Kekana confirmed that video footage showed one suspect (a short man with dreadlocks) firing at Stock, and another in a security uniform present at the scene. Police noted that cartridges were found at the scene and that the suspects had walked a considerable distance after the shooting.[7][9] Investigators explored the possibility that the motive was connected to hijacked buildings in the area, since Stock was involved with one such building.[15] Two people have been arrested at a hostel in Johannesburg and have been charged with the murder of Stock.[16]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Dipa, Karishma (16 December 2025). "RIP DJ Warras: Remembering the life and legacy of the Shady Lurker". IOL. Retrieved 16 December 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. ^ a b Mnganga, Tholakele. "DJ Warras on leaving Live AMP: 'I need to give others a chance '". News24. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Nomalanga and Warras coming back home - Gagasi FM". Bizcommunity. Retrieved 16 December 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ a b "Mzansi Magic mourns the passing of Warrick Stock aka DJ Warras". TimesLIVE. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Lesemane, Lineo (11 February 2025). "DJ Warras on TV comeback, new music and VIP security". The Citizen. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Moganedi, Kgomotso. "WARRAS QUITS RADIO FOR VIP SAFETY". Daily Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  7. ^ a b c van Diemen, Verna (16 December 2025). "Family cleans crime scene as Johannesburg mourns DJ Warras". IOL. Retrieved 16 December 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "DJ Warras shot dead in Joburg CBD". TimesLIVE. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  9. ^ a b c van Diemen, Verna (16 December 2025). "Short man with dreadlocks wanted as DJ Warras shot dead near Joburg's Carlton Centre". IOL. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  10. ^ "DJ Warras makes a radio comeback". Sunday World. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  11. ^ Lesemane, Lineo (11 February 2025). "DJ Warras on TV comeback, new music and VIP security". The Citizen. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  12. ^ a b Moganedi, Kgomotso. "WARRAS QUITS RADIO FOR VIP SAFETY". Daily Sun. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  13. ^ "Popular radio presenter DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg CBD". NovaNews. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  14. ^ "DJ Warras shot dead in Johannesburg CBD". HonesTunes. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  15. ^ Mapaballo (16 December 2025). "DJ Warras' death linked to the hijacked building he allegedly owned". KAYA 959. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
  16. ^ https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2025-12-22-breakthrough-in-dj-warras-murder-as-two-charged/#
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