The investigation into the killing of popular media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has taken a new turn after prosecutors withdrew charges against one of the two initial suspects.
Police earlier arrested a man and a woman at a hostel in Soweto following investigations into Stock’s fatal shooting in Johannesburg’s CBD.
However, when the matter came before court this week, the state confirmed it would not proceed against the female suspect, citing insufficient evidence to link her to the crime.
Working in a security capacity
Stock was shot and killed outside the Zambesi House building in the Johannesburg city centre, where he was working in a security capacity at the time of the incident.
Investigators initially believed that three people may have been involved in the attack, including a suspect described as having dreadlocks.
With the case against the woman withdrawn, proceedings continued against 44-year-old Victor Majola, who appeared alone in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Majola attempted to conceal his identity by covering his face with a scarf and pulling the hood of his jacket over his head, prompting intervention from the court.
Magistrate Simon Radasi ordered Majola to remove the items obscuring his face so that he could be properly identified, and instructed him to sit upright during the proceedings.
The state then formally read out the charges.
Oppose bail application
Majola faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Prosecutors indicated they will strongly oppose any bail application, noting that the matter falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which applies to the most serious offences.
No plea was entered during the brief appearance.
The case was postponed to Tuesday, 6 January, when Majola is expected to apply for bail.
Meanwhile, police investigations into the murder of DJ Warras are continuing as authorities work to establish whether additional suspects were involved in the fatal shooting.
