A renowned South African media personality and entertainer has been shot dead in the country's largest city Johannesburg, triggering widespread grief across a nation battling entrenched crime.
Warrick Stock, who went by the name DJ Warras, was gunned down in the central business district on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the 40-year-old presenter was confronted by a trio of assailants, one of whom shot at him before escaping on foot.
The reason of the attack has not been established and no suspects have been apprehended are in custody, according to authorities.
Law enforcement said that Stock was attacked as he was exiting a location near the Carlton Centre.
He had been present for hours at the property overseeing the setup of security systems, which had been illegally inhabited by squatters, as per local media.
"Authorities believe the victim was confronted by three unidentified men after he parked his car, and they began shooting at him before escaping on foot," a police statement stated.
Surveillance tape reportedly depicted a man with dreadlocks and wearing what looked like a protective services outfit shooting on Stock before running away.
The DJ tried to run away after he was wounded but collapsed a short distance away.
Officials noted that Stock had an gun that was not fired and nothing was taken during the assault.
Important clues, like spent shells, were recovered from the crime scene.
Police have appealed anyone who saw the event who may have witnessed the attack to come forward.
"Evidence suggests they walked a long distance after the attack, and investigators have been attempting to locate them to determine their destination," added an official.
His sister, a close relative, expressed the relatives are devastated to come to terms with the loss.
"I am in shock. I cannot express the pain," she stated.
"Everyone understood he was a voice for many people. He addressed issues courageously about issues not many people were willing to tackle. This is a profound tragedy."
She appealed to the community to not sharing graphic images from the scene, saying this was an incredibly difficult time, especially for Stock's three sons.
Stock was the presenter of Ngicel' iVisa, a series that was broadcast on a South African broadcasting platform.
In addition to his role as a presenter, Stock was engaged in various business ventures, including private security, providing high-level security services and managing safety for major functions across South Africa.
He was also understood to participate in building administration and was involved in tenant removals.
His murder has caused national trauma and led to an flood of condolences from his fans, the government and various organizations.
A cabinet official remarked he was angry and saddened by Stock's killing.
"He spoke his truth boldly and honestly. He even criticized me and my actions as a minister. He was a pure example of who we must aspire to be," he stated.
A public representative commented the "shocking killing of DJ Warras in the middle of the day is a trauma for all South Africans".
A broadcasting director expressed that "DJ Warras was far beyond a TV personality. He was a talented storyteller, a true devotee of sound and a kind-hearted individual who brought happiness and vitality to every appearance. His commitment to his craft left an profound impact."
In a statement, the broadcaster he worked for said Stock was known for his magnetism, kindness and quick humor, adding that his influence "will endure".
South Africa, the continent's most industrialised nation, has one of the planet's most severe murder rates, exacerbated by robberies and gang violence, with some 63 people killed each day according to recent data, as per official statistics.
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