A 40‑year‑old woman has been arrested in the Ngcengeni area of Msinga in KwaZulu‑Natal in connection with the December killing of musician Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, police said on Wednesday.
Arrest followed investigational lead to rural homestead
The South African Police Service said detectives followed up on information that led them to a homestead in the Ngcengeni area, where the woman was found hiding. She was taken into custody and is to be handed over to Gauteng police for further processing and investigation, the police’s Robert Netshiunda said.
“Police followed up information which led them to a homestead [in the] Ngcengeni area in Msinga where the woman was hiding. The suspect was arrested and will be handed over to police in Gauteng for further handling.”
The arrest brings the number of suspects detained in relation to the case to three. The killing occurred in the Johannesburg central business district late last year when Warrick Stock, 40, was shot outside a building that had been hijacked. Stock had been attempting to reclaim the premises, according to earlier reporting on the case.
Where the case stands: convictions and ongoing matters
Recent court outcomes in the matter include the sentencing of a self‑confessed gunman, 25‑year‑old Armando Pacula, who was handed a jail term last month after admitting to his role. Another suspect, identified by police as an alleged orchestrator, Victor Majola, remains before the courts as proceedings continue in Gauteng.
| Case development | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, 40 |
| Date of killing | December (last year) |
| Arrests so far | Three suspects (including 25‑year‑old gunman; 40‑year‑old woman arrested in Msinga) |
| Ongoing matters | Case against alleged orchestrator Victor Majola in Gauteng |
Local impact and policing in rural KZN
The arrest in Msinga — a largely rural area in northern KwaZulu‑Natal — highlights how investigations in violent crimes frequently cross provincial borders. Police co‑operation between provinces and community information channels are often crucial in locating suspects who retreat to remote homesteads.
- Tip lines and community leads: The police statement credited follow‑up information for locating the suspect, underscoring the role of community cooperation in rural investigations.
- Inter‑provincial transfers: The woman will be transferred to Gauteng to face charges and to assist that province’s prosecuting authorities with the ongoing case.
- Witness and victim safety: Earlier parts of the matter included concerns about threats to individuals in custody; such issues typically influence decisions on remand location and security measures.
Background to the killing
Stock was shot dead outside a hijacked building in Johannesburg’s CBD late last year. Reporting on the case has suggested the incident occurred amid a dispute over the property, with initial indications that Stock had been attempting to reclaim the premises when he was shot. At the time, media reports mentioned a R25,000 payment as alleged part of a contract killing, and speculation that the victim may have been mistaken for someone else involved in the dispute.
Since the killing, Gauteng prosecutors have pursued multiple suspects, with court proceedings producing a conviction of the admitted shooter and further proceedings against others believed to have planned or ordered the attack.
What happens next
Following formal handover to Gauteng police, the newly arrested woman will undergo the usual processing: charges will be confirmed, and she will likely appear in a Gauteng court for a first appearance or remand hearing. Investigators will continue to gather evidence and prepare dockets for the National Prosecuting Authority to consider formal charges.
For residents in KwaZulu‑Natal, the arrest provides a reminder that high‑profile criminal investigations often involve cooperation across provinces. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact their local SAPS station or the investigating officers handling the matter in Gauteng.
The case remains under active investigation and further updates are expected as Gauteng authorities finalise charges and court dates.
