A Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court has heard disturbing testimony alleging that murder accused Victor Majola identified DJ Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, moments before the media personality was shot dead in December.
The details emerged on Tuesday during Majola’s formal bail application. Majola, 44, faces charges of murder, premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder following the killing of DJ Warras outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg on 16 December.
Background to the Dispute
According to evidence presented by the state, the events leading up to the killing were rooted in a long-running dispute over the management of Zambesi Flats. Investigating officer Captain Abe Montwedi told the court that the building’s original owner passed away in 2018, after which his son inherited the property.
The new owner later became concerned after rental income reportedly dropped from more than R700,000 a month to about R400,000. This sharp decline raised suspicions that rental money was being unlawfully diverted.
Investigations allegedly revealed that certain tenants were collecting rent from other occupants without passing it on to the rightful owner. DJ Warras and his business partner were then approached to assist in addressing the situation.
Rising Tensions at Zambesi Flats
Captain Montwedi testified that DJ Warras and his partner called a meeting with tenants, announcing plans to assume management of the flats. These plans included introducing biometric access systems and issuing permits to residents.
The move allegedly angered individuals who were benefiting from the illegal collection of rent. Montwedi told the court that Majola’s girlfriend was among those implicated.
Threats were allegedly made against DJ Warras, with warnings that he would not be allowed to “take money from their mouths”. As tensions escalated, DJ Warras reportedly applied for a protection order against six individuals, including Majola’s girlfriend.
Events of 16 December
On the day of the killing, DJ Warras returned to the flats to restore security cameras. Montwedi told the court that Majola and two other men were seated near street vendors outside the building at the time.
When DJ Warras exited the building and stood near his vehicle while speaking on his phone, a witness allegedly heard Majola speaking in isiZulu to the other men, saying “Nangu lomuntu”, meaning “here he is”.
After DJ Warras ended the call and attempted to return inside, one of the men, described as wearing a rasta hat, allegedly shot him multiple times. The suspects then fled the scene on foot.
CCTV Evidence and Arrest
The state told the court that CCTV footage obtained from a nearby butcher allegedly shows Majola arriving with the suspected shooter, sitting together before the incident and leaving together afterwards.
On 22 December, police received information from an informant that Majola and his girlfriend were hiding in Soweto. Montwedi testified that he personally went to a hostel in Meadowlands, where Majola was found sleeping alongside his girlfriend and arrested.
During the arrest, police seized several mobile phones. According to the investigating officer, DJ Warras’ vehicle registration documents were found on Majola’s phone, along with documents belonging to DJ Warras’ business partner.
Montwedi further testified that Majola’s girlfriend had forwarded photographs and information to him. A voice note retrieved from her phone allegedly suggested concerns among accomplices about whether police would discover incriminating evidence.
Bail Opposition and Emotional Court Scenes
An identity parade was later conducted, during which Majola was allegedly identified as the man who pointed out DJ Warras to the shooter.
Montwedi told the court that Majola has no fixed address, has moved between various locations in Johannesburg and does not own property in the area. He warned that Majola could intimidate witnesses, including street vendors who may be key to the case.
“It is my humble request to this honourable court to keep the applicant behind bars,” Montwedi said.
Family members of DJ Warras were visibly emotional in court, with several seen weeping as the details of the killing were presented.
Majola’s legal representative, Dumisani Mabunda, argued that his client should be released on bail, insisting that Majola did not commit the crime. Mabunda also told the court that Majola does not have a passport and is not a flight risk.
The bail hearing continues as the court considers the arguments from both sides.
