DJ Warras Killer Armindo Pakula Sentenced to 25 Years for Murder

• Armindo Pakula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the state over the death of DJ Warras
• Pakula admitted in court that he shot and killed DJ Warras, whose real name is Warwick Stock, in exchange for R25,000
• The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the sentencing, saying it reaffirms its commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crimes accountable

The man who shot and killed beloved South African DJ Warras has been sentenced to 25 years behind bars after admitting to carrying out the killing for payment. A South African court handed down the sentence to Armindo Joachim Pakula, 25, a Mozambican national, following a plea and sentence agreement with the state.

Pakula pleaded guilty to murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contravening the Immigration Act. The court sentenced him to 25 years for the murder charge, eight years for the illegal firearm, six months for the ammunition, and 12 months for the immigration offence. All sentences will run concurrently, meaning Pakula will serve an effective 25 years in prison.

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Pakula pleads guilty

In his plea agreement, Pakula confirmed that he shot and killed Warwick Stock, known professionally as DJ Warras, in exchange for R25,000. The killing took place on 16 December 2025 at the Zambezi building in the Johannesburg CBD. DJ Warras had been hired to secure the building, which had been hijacked, and was in the process of installing CCTV cameras through his company when he was gunned down.

SABC News reporter Criselda Lewis, who covered the court proceedings, noted that Pakula had appeared visibly uneasy during earlier appearances when standing beside his co-accused, Victor Machola, the alleged orchestrator of the hit. Machola's case is still before the courts.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomed the outcome, with NPA Communications Officer Magaboke Mohlatlole expressing the conviction and sentencing demonstrate the authority's "unwavering commitment to ensure justice for the victims of violent crime and holding perpetrators accountable."

Watch the SABC News broadcast on the sentencing here.

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Mzansi reacts: Justice served?

Many South Africans welcomed the sentence but expressed frustration that the alleged mastermind, Victor Machola, had not yet faced justice. Here is what people had to say:

@Pole1803: "Useless if he won't mention the mastermind. He's just a poor, stupid fool. The big fish is the one who sent him. Still good to convict him"

@Kaycee19960: "Good. Praying that the inmates can send him to an early grave.."

@CarlLiwane86: "Did he say who paid him?"

@makhemap290: "Those who put him there, they will send their boys to take him out of the location 6 feet under inside"

@Itu21999236: "Should've been life! Confession or not...🤬😡🤬"

@NoniNhlaks: "Who ordered the hit? Akaboshwe naye."

Gareth Cliff responds to DJ Warras' killer

In a previous report from Briefly News, Gareth Cliff weighed in on Armindo Joaquim Pacula, revealing how much he was offered for killing Warras.

During an episode of The Gareth Cliff Show, Gareth Cliff expressed shock at the alleged amount paid and suggested severe consequences.

Source: Briefly News