Case Postponed to April 1
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg –
In a tense courtroom moment that marked their first joint appearance, alleged shooter Armindo Joaquim Pacula and suspected mastermind Victor Majola stood side by side before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, as the high-profile murder case of popular radio and TV personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock was pushed back to April 1 for more probes into key evidence like ballistics reports, CCTV footage, and bank records.
This delay gives investigators extra time to tie up loose ends in a tragedy that shocked the nation, leaving fans and family grappling with the loss of a vibrant voice in entertainment.
The brief hearing underscored the complexity of the allegations, with both men facing serious charges tied to a brazen daytime shooting that cut short a promising life.
The Shocking Assassination That Rocked Johannesburg
Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, a beloved figure known for his lively radio shows and TV gigs, was gunned down on 16 December 2025 in the bustling heart of Johannesburg’s Central Business District.
The attack happened outside the Zambesi Building, a spot linked to ongoing disputes over hijacked properties in the inner city. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene where shots rang out, leaving the 35-year-old lifeless on the pavement amid the lunchtime rush.
Police believe the killing stemmed from conflicts around building takeovers at the Zambezi flats near the Carlton Centre, where illegal occupations and turf wars have fueled violence.
Such hijackings involve groups seizing rundown blocks, renting them out informally, and clashing over control – often with deadly results. In this case, ties to the taxi industry have emerged, suggesting deeper motives beyond a random hit.
Stock’s outspoken nature on social issues may have drawn enemies, though exact links remain under wraps as probes unfold.
The murder sent ripples through the entertainment world, with tributes pouring in from fellow DJs, celebs, and fans who remembered his quick wit and passion for music.
His death highlighted rising dangers in the CBD, where crime stats show spikes in violent incidents tied to property disputes and syndicates.
Profiles of the Accused: From Alleged Trigger Man to Orchestrator
Armindo Joaquim Pacula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, is accused of being the gunman who pulled the trigger.
Arrested on a Saturday night in January 2026 at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose West, east of Johannesburg, he faces charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and breaching the Immigration Act for being in the country illegally.
Without a fixed address that checks out, Pacula ditched his bail bid during a Monday hearing, citing his shaky status and safety fears.
In a twist, his lawyer revealed plans for a plea deal, hinting at a guilty plea to wrap things quicker. Pacula already confessed before a magistrate at the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court soon after his capture, a move that could lighten his sentence if he cooperates.
But doubts swirl online and in whispers – some call him a “fall guy,” pointing out he doesn’t match footage descriptions of the shooters, suggesting bigger players hide in the shadows.
For now, he’s set for a prison transfer from Johannesburg’s Sun City facility over worries for his life, arriving in court under heavy armed guard that sparked mixed feelings among onlookers.
Victor Majola, 44, a taxi boss from Soweto also known as Victor Mthethwa Majola, is pegged as the brains behind the plot. Nabbed in December 2025 shortly after the shooting, he too faces murder and conspiracy raps. A judge denied him bail last month, citing flight risks and the gravity of the claims.
Prosecutors say Majola pulled strings, possibly linked to those building hijackings where taxi operators often muscle in for protection or control. His role as a transport figure adds layers, as the industry has seen its share of feuds turning fatal over routes and turf.
This joint court debut on Wednesday was brief but loaded, with the pair exchanging no words but standing as symbols of a case that probes deep into urban crime networks.
Magistrates often postpone such matters to build airtight evidence, avoiding early slip-ups that could free suspects.
Delays and Investigations: Piecing Together the Puzzle
The push to April 1 stems from unfinished work on crucial proofs.
Ballistics tests aim to match bullets from the scene to any weapons linked to the accused, while CCTV clips from the busy CBD could show faces, cars, or movements tying them to the hit.
Bank subpoenas under section 205 seek transaction trails that might reveal payments or motives, like hush money or hit contracts.
Earlier hold-ups included verifying Pacula’s details, pushing his solo appearance to 9 February before this joint one. Such steps ensure fairness but frustrate families seeking closure.
In South Africa’s courts, murder cases like this can drag for months or years, with backlogs and complex evidence slowing the wheels.
Here, the international angle – Pacula’s Mozambican roots – adds immigration checks, potentially involving cross-border cooperation to trace his entry and ties.
Prosecutors stress the need for thoroughness to nail a conviction, especially in hits tied to syndicates where witnesses might fear speaking up.
Community tips led to the arrests, showing public help can crack tough cases, but safety nets for informers remain key to prevent backlash.
Broader Implications: Crime, Entertainment, and Urban Struggles
This case spotlights Johannesburg’s underbelly, where building hijackings plague the inner city.
These takeovers leave legit owners powerless, turning blocks into no-go zones rife with drugs, extortion, and violence. Taxi bosses sometimes guard or exploit them, blending transport woes with property grabs.
Stock’s slaying fits a pattern of targeted killings in such disputes, raising calls for tougher crackdowns on syndicates.
For the entertainment scene, it’s a stark reminder of risks for public figures.
DJ Warras built a fanbase through gigs on stations like Metro FM and shows like Podcast and Chill, using his platform for laughs and real talk. His loss echoes other celeb tragedies, pushing talks on security and mental health in the spotlight.
Legally, plea deals like Pacula’s can speed justice but stir debates on leniency. If he flips, it might expose more players, breaking wider rings. Meanwhile, Majola’s denied bail keeps him locked up, a win for safety but a test of rights.
Community Reactions and the Road to Justice
Public sentiment mixes grief and anger, with social media buzzing over the armed escorts and plea hints.
Some see Pacula as a scapegoat in a “deep” plot involving high-ups, while others demand swift trials. Family and friends of Stock push for answers, holding vigils and sharing memories to keep his spirit alive.
As April 1 nears, eyes stay on the court for breakthroughs. This postponement buys time for solid proof, but for those hurting, it’s another wait in a quest for closure.
In a city battling crime, cases like this test the system’s strength, hoping to deliver justice that honours a life cut short and deters future horrors.
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