Hundreds gathered at the Immaculate Conception Church in Rosebank this morning to bid farewell to Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras, the popular entertainer who was killed earlier this month while performing a private security function in what many describe as a tragic symbol of South Africa’s ongoing battle with violent crime.
Stock’s sister, Nicole Stock Mabuza, delivered one of the most poignant moments of the service when she called on mourners and the wider public to honour her brother’s memory by actively protecting their communities.
“Let’s fight for each other. That’s what Warrick was about,” she told the congregation. “Let’s fight for the community. Let’s fight for our home, for what is within reach. You know, positivity, because there’s power in our words. And I’m seeing the power of Warrick’s words around everybody. That’s the message I want to give to South Africa. We must live who Warrick was. And yes, we are allowed to cry. We are allowed to be vulnerable.”
The emotional weight of the day was compounded by repeated references to the broader security crisis that many believe placed Stock in harm’s way.
Podcaster and media personality Penuel Mlotshwa, a friend of the deceased, described Warras as an entertainer who had no business working in security but felt compelled to do so because of a visible gap in public safety.
“I’m not going to blame anyone in government per se, but there is a gap when it comes to crime and getting things done,” Mlotshwa said. “We’ve got people who are putting their hands up because the laws of this country are being disrespected. I feel hopeless right now.”
Fellow DJ and close colleague Phindi Madubela, popularly known as DJ PH, admitted he was still struggling to process the loss, having spent the past week focused on funeral arrangements rather than grief.
“It’s hard. I think, naturally, it’s sad—let me start there,” Madubela said. “But throughout the entire week, I’ve just been focused on seeing the funeral through and seeing the memorial through. Processing the emotions, I think, will happen afterwards.”
The funeral took place against a backdrop of widespread public commentary that framed Stock’s death not only as a personal tragedy but also as a stark reflection of the country’s persistent violent crime problem and the perceived inadequacy of formal law enforcement responses.
Many in attendance and across social media described Warras as someone who lived with positivity and generosity, qualities they said the nation should strive to emulate in the wake of his death.
Warrick Stock was laid to rest on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, leaving behind a legacy as both a celebrated figure in South African nightlife and a man who, in his final act, attempted to protect others in a context where many feel the state has failed to do so.