South Africa woke this December to heartbreaking news: Warrick Stock, better known to millions as DJ Warras or the Shady Lurker, was tragically shot and killed in Johannesburg on 16 December 2025, at the age of 40. The sudden loss of this beloved media personality, businessman, and cultural voice has left a nation grieving and reflecting on a life lived with passion, authenticity, and purpose.  

A Life Behind the Mic and Beyond

Born on 27 November 1985 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Warrick Stock’s journey into the heart of South African youth culture began early. He moved to Johannesburg as a teenager and went on to build a dynamic career spanning radio, television, podcasting, and business.  

DJ Warras first rose to prominence on youth-oriented radio stations, including YFM and 5FM, where his charismatic voice and sharp insight resonated with a generation. He became a familiar face on television as a presenter on Live AMP, and at the time of his death was hosting the reality series Ngicel’iVisa on Mzansi Magic. He also co-hosted the online Shady Podcast, bringing candid conversations and bold perspectives to audiences across platforms.  

Off the airwaves, Warras was an entrepreneur. He founded JT VIP: Elite Guarding & VIP Protection Services, a private security firm that provided high-profile event protection and reflected his steadfast commitment to safety — even amid the very real dangers he often discussed publicly.  

A Father, a Son, a Brother

At the core of his life was his family. Warrick was a devoted father to three sons, who stood bravely at his memorial to honour their father’s legacy. His eldest son, Ethan, delivered an emotional tribute, calling Warras his hero, rock, and foundation, and affirming that his father’s spirit and values will continue to guide them.  

His sister Nicole also spoke at his memorial, expressing both profound love and raw grief, lamenting that his voice — fearless, compassionate, honest — was silenced too soon.  

An Emotional Memorial in Sandton

On 19 December 2025, family, friends, colleagues, and fans gathered at The Galleria Conference and Expo Centre in Sandton, Johannesburg for an emotional memorial service. Voices from across South Africa’s entertainment industry — including broadcasters, celebrities, peers, and public figures — reflected on Warras’s impact. His ability to connect with people, challenge conversations, and amplify the stories that mattered shone through every tribute.  

Media personality Sizwe Dhlomo recalled how Warras once helped reconcile him with late rapper AKA, illustrating the behind-the-scenes humanity and peacemaking spirit that defined the man beyond his public persona.  

Prominent guests spoke not just of Warras’s professional achievements but of who he was: a man of integrity, warmth, and love. Minister Gayton McKenzie praised his commitment to South African culture, and colleagues remembered his unique blend of humour, insight, and fearless truth-telling.  

A Nation Mourns and Seeks Justice

The circumstances of his death — shot in broad daylight in Johannesburg’s inner city — sparked widespread grief, outrage, and urgent calls for justice. South African Police Service officials have identified a suspect and pledged an imminent arrest as part of ongoing investigations.  

Warras’s tragic passing has reignited national conversations around crime, safety, and community resilience, themes he often addressed with candour and concern in his final months.  

Legacy of Truth and Connection

Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock was more than a media personality; he was a bridge between stories and souls, unafraid to speak truth to power while holding space for laughter, love, and profound human connection. His legacy will live on through his children, the lives he touched, and the voices he amplified.

As South Africa mourns this brilliant life cut too short, we honour his memory not simply with sorrow, but with an enduring commitment to the values he lived by — integrity, courage, and unwavering love.  

May he rest in peace, remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was.