The pre-trial hearing in the murder case of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has been postponed to 19 August 2026 after one of the accused told the Johannesburg High Court he was struggling to afford his legal representation.
Accused Victor Majola informed the court that he was experiencing financial difficulties in paying his lawyer, Advocate Du Plessis. Judge William Karam granted the postponement to allow Majola time to resolve his legal representation.
Addressing the accused, Karam said if Majola was unable to continue paying for his current legal counsel before the next court date, he would need to decide whether to apply for Legal Aid South Africa, appoint a more affordable lawyer, or represent himself.
“If you find out before the postponement date that you cannot afford the services of Mr Du Plessis, you must then consider whether you are going to apply for Legal Aid, whether you are going to find a more affordable legal representative, or whether you are going to represent yourself. Those are your legal rights that were explained to you at the commencement of this matter,” Karam said.
The judge made it clear that the court expects the matter to proceed on the next scheduled date and does not anticipate any further delays. He said that if Advocate Du Plessis remains on record for Majola, the pre-trial hearing will proceed on 19 August. Both accused remain in custody pending their next appearance.
Majola and his co-accused, Armando Pacula, face charges including conspiracy to commit murder and murder in connection with the fatal shooting of DJ Warras in December 2025.
DJ Warras was shot and killed on 16 December 2025. The case has drawn significant public attention, with the State alleging that the two accused were involved in planning and carrying out the murder. The pre-trial process is intended to resolve procedural issues before the matter proceeds to trial.
