A renowned South African radio and club DJ has been fatally gunned down in the country's largest city Johannesburg, sending shockwaves across a country battling entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in the city centre on the afternoon of Tuesday.
Police said the forty-year-old presenter was accosted by a trio of assailants, with one opened fire on him before fleeing on foot.
The reason behind the attack is unknown and no one has been arrested have been made, police said.
Law enforcement indicated that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a premises in the vicinity of the city center landmark.
He had been present for hours at the property managing the implementation of safety equipment, which had been reportedly taken over by unidentified individuals, as per local media.
"The report indicates the man was confronted by three unknown suspects after parking his vehicle, and they opened fire at him before fleeing the scene on foot," an official report confirmed.
Surveillance tape reportedly captured a suspect with dreadlocks and wearing what resembled a guard's attire firing shots on Stock before fleeing.
The DJ attempted to flee after he was wounded but fell down a short distance away.
Police added that Stock had an gun that was not fired and no items were stolen during the assault.
Important clues, like spent shells, were recovered from the scene.
Authorities have requested members of the public who may have have information to assist with the investigation.
"We know they walked a long distance after the shooting, and police have been tracking them to find their destination," added an official.
His family member, a close relative, expressed the family was struggling to come to terms with the loss.
"I am devastated. I don't have words," she said.
"It is clear he was a representative for countless citizens. He spoke out bravely about topics not many people were willing to speak about. This is a tremendous loss."
She urged the citizens to refrain from sharing explicit content from the incident, saying this was an deeply traumatic time, above all for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the star of Ngicel' iVisa, a television program that aired on a South African digital satellite entertainment channel.
Apart from his role as a presenter, Stock was involved in various business ventures, including security provision, supplying VIP protection services and protecting high-profile events across South Africa.
He was also said to be engaged in real estate operations and assisted with building evictions.
His death has shocked the country and led to an flood of condolences from his fans, the government and political parties.
A senior figure said he was angry and saddened by Stock's untimely death.
"He expressed his views boldly and honestly. He even challenged me and my actions as a minister. He was a shining model of who we ought to be," the minister added.
A party figurehead stated the "brazen murder of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A media executive noted that "DJ Warras was not merely a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a dedicated enthusiast of music and a generous spirit who brought joy and energy to every performance. His dedication to creativity left an profound impact."
In a communication, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his charisma, approachability and quick humor, adding that his influence "will be remembered".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the planet's most severe rates of violent death, fuelled by robberies and syndicate wars, with some 63 people murdered daily in a recent six-month period, according to police data.
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