A man who admitted to the contract killing of popular DJ Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison by the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed on Friday that 25-year-old Mozambican national Joaquim Armando Pacula was convicted and sentenced following a plea and sentence agreement with the State under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Pacula 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 murder, eight years for illegal firearm possession, six months for ammunition possession and 12 months for violating the Immigration Act. The sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 25-year imprisonment term.
The charges relate to the fatal shooting of Stock outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg’s CBD on 16 December 2025.
As part of the plea agreement, Pacula admitted that he killed Stock in exchange for R25,000.
The NPA said the conviction represents an important step towards justice for Stock’s family, while investigations and prosecution against other alleged suspects continue.
The case against Pacula’s co-accused, Victor Majola, remains before the court and has been postponed to 17 August 2026 for the conclusion of the pre-trial conference.
The NPA said the successful prosecution highlights its commitment to tackling organised and violent crime, particularly contract killings, and vowed to continue pursuing all individuals linked to Stock’s murder.
