Joburg Safety and Security MMC: DJ Warras Was Not Contracted by the City
- The Johannesburg MMC for Safety and Security, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, has denied claims that DJ Warras had a contract with the City of Johannesburg
- He said investigations are ongoing and that Warras may have been assisting owners of hijacked buildings
- The comments triggered strong reactions from South Africans, with many criticising government inaction in the Johannesburg CBD
Source: Getty Images
The Johannesburg MMC for Safety and Security, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, has addressed the fatal shooting of popular DJ, radio, and television personality Warras Stock, who was killed in the Johannesburg CBD on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. Tshwaku has dismissed claims that Warras had any contractual relationship with the City of Johannesburg, amid reports suggesting that he was inspecting a building guarded by his private security company at the time of the incident.
Speaking to Newsroom Afrika, Tshwaku was questioned about whether Warras’ security company had been contracted to protect municipal buildings. He firmly denied any such arrangement, stressing that neither Warras nor his company had a contract with the city.
DON'T MISS IT: Stay Away From Fake News With Our Short, Free Fact-Checking Course. Join And Get Certified!
Tshwaku further clarified the city’s eviction processes, emphasising that private entities are not authorised to remove occupants from buildings without legal approval.
“We do not have companies responsible for evicting people from buildings. Any eviction must be authorised by a court order. That order is then forwarded to SAPS, which coordinates a joint operation involving all relevant stakeholders, with a specific date set for the eviction,” he said.
The MMC also questioned Warras’ presence in the city centre at the time of the shooting, saying,
“We are all asking ourselves why DJ Warras was in the Johannesburg CBD, whether he was being targeted, and what exactly he was doing there
According to Tshwaku, preliminary information suggests that Warras may have been assisting owners of hijacked buildings, although he cautioned that these claims remain unverified.
"At this stage, there are indications that he may have been helping building owners whose properties were hijacked, but these statements are still being assessed."
“In response to this, the interview sparked intense debate on social media, with many users disputing claims that Warras had any contract with the city. Several commentators argued that he was instead working directly with private property owners. Others used the incident to highlight what they described as the state’s failure to adequately address the issue of hijacked buildings, forcing owners to rely on private security companies.
Netizens responded to the interview with the Johannesburg MMC for Safety and Security
@MthiyaSipho said:
“The caption says a lot about our media posture. A security company cannot sign a contract with a municipality to protect private property. That’s not a municipal building, and DJ Warras Stock wasn’t evicting anyone.”
@Qlyv_Mydear reacted:
“Oh, so he didn’t have a contract with the city? The owner of the building he was hired to inspect or secure needs to come forward. We need a full account of what exactly the arrangement was.”
@azania1023 stated;
“Yes, he didn’t have a contract with the City of Johannesburg but worked with the building owners.”
@TshepoThathane commented:
“Citizens take responsibility when the government is incapable.”
@Delela_ka_staze said:
“MMC, be honest and tell the people that the government is failing to evict, hence this is happening. You are quick to say he didn’t have a contract, yet you don’t explain why these acts are happening. Many buildings are hijacked and continue to be hijacked because you do nothing about it.”
Source: Twitter
Briefly News reports on DJ Warras’ death
Briefly News reported that media industry figures continue to mourn the popular South African radio and television DJ, who was killed on 16 December 2025. The 40-year-old entered the entertainment industry when he joined YFM and steadily climbed the ladder to success. DJ Warras built strong relationships within the industry, with many colleagues taking to social media to pay tribute. Radio DJ and podcaster Sol Phenduka remembered him by quoting his catchphrase: “Take it easy, if it’s easy, take it home."
In another report, Briefly News said South Africans reacted strongly after SAPS stated that suspects had already been identified in Warras’ death. MDN News alleged that SAPS had identified three suspects involved in the killing. According to reports, CCTV footage shows a gunman with dreadlocks approaching and shooting the DJ as he arrived outside the building. After being shot, Warras attempted to flee but tragically collapsed at the scene.
DJ Warras’ sister, Nicole Stock, recalled her last conversation with her brother before he was tragically killed. Speaking to journalists at the scene, Nicole described Warras as a good person who found humour in life and pleaded with South Africans to remember him for his positive contributions. She said she could not disclose further details and asked the country to give the family space to mourn. Nicole added that while Warras was known for speaking out on controversial issues, people should focus on the positive values he stood for.
Source: Briefly News
