South African News

DJ Warras Killing: Defence signals possible plea from alleged gunman

Robin-Lee Francke|Published

The second suspect, Armindo Joaquim Pacula, 25, accused of killing Warrick Stock, who was popularly known as “DJ Warras”, is expected to plead guilty.

Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newsps

The man alleged to have pulled the trigger during the assassination of Warrick ‘Dj Warras’ Stock, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

Stock was gunned down on December 16, 2025, as he exited a building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s central business district, when he was approached by suspects who opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Mozambican national Armindo Pacula, 25, faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act. 

The matter was initially postponed for verification of an address, should the suspect be granted bail. However, the State confirmed to the court that the address at an informal settlement in Germiston was checked out, but no one was found at the address. It was also submitted that the identity document handed over to the State was not South African. 

Popular DJ and businessman Warrick Stock, known as DJ Warras, was gunned down in December 2025.

Image: Instagram

“The identity document is Mozambican. So, as it stands, the accused is illegal in the country,” the State said. 

Pacula’s defence lawyer stated his client had confirmed he was in the country illegally. He dropped a bombshell and said: “My client has indicated that there is a possibility of a plea in this matter”. 

The defence stated he needed to have the docket before the court so he could corroborate what his client wanted to plead guilty to. 

The defence further asked the court not to send Pacula back to Sun City Prison in Johannesburg. 

“He has informed me there are people there who killed his friend, and he is afraid he might be hurt,” the defence said. 

The first accused, Victor Majola, will be back in court on Wednesday.

Image: Pictures: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers

The State said planning has already been put in place to move Pacula to Modderbee Correctional Centre in Benoni. 

The matter has been postponed until Wednesday, February 11. 

Pacula’s co-accused, Victor Mthethowakhe Majola Majola, who was denied bail on January 26, 2026, and is due back in court on the same date

He faces charges of murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder.

Stock, who was a popular DJ, radio personality, businessman, and founder of a VIP protection company, was shot multiple times in what the State alleges was a planned hit.

During bail proceedings, Majola argued that he should be released pending trial, claiming he was not a flight risk and had no reason to evade justice. 

He further described himself as a self-employed taxi owner with assets, strong community ties, and dependants, and denied any involvement in the murder.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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