The South African Police Service (SAPS) on 19 August 2026 issued a warrant of arrest under a J50 for 40‑year‑old Hlengiwe Buthelezi, who is the third suspect sought in the murder of media personality Warrick “Dj Warras” Stock.
Allegations and police action
Buthelezi is wanted on charges of alleged conspiracy to commit murder in relation to the shooting of Stock outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg’s central business district on 16 December 2025, SAPS said. The police’s Serious and Violent Crimes Unit released an identikit after issuing the J50 warrant, signalling an active hunt for the suspect.
According to the investigating officer cited in court papers, Buthelezi is alleged to have been part of an informal committee accused of collecting rent illegally from residents of a hijacked building. She is also alleged to have provided pictures of the DJ to a man now charged with allegedly orchestrating the killing.
Court proceedings and other accused
The man identified as the alleged orchestrator, Victor Mthethwa Majola (44), appeared in the Johannesburg High Court on 19 August 2026. He faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Stock’s death.
Majola is charged alongside Joaquim Armando Pacula (25), who previously pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
During proceedings on 19 August, Majola’s lawyer, Piet Du Plessis, asked the court for a postponement to obtain financial instructions. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Gauteng spokesperson, Magaboke Mohlatlole, said the state opposed the postponement, asserting it had provided the defence with the relevant documentation.
“The court granted the postponement, which it marked as final, to allow Majola’s counsel sufficient time to secure funding,” Mohlatlole said.
The matter was postponed to 18 September 2026, with the court recording the postponement as final to permit the defence to obtain the necessary financial instructions.
Context and implications
The case draws attention to criminal activity linked to hijacked buildings in Johannesburg and alleged informal structures that extract rent from occupants. Investigators have alleged a connection between such practices and the events leading to Stock’s killing, though every accused remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The issuing of a J50 warrant and the release of an identikit indicate SAPS’s prioritisation of locating and apprehending Buthelezi to complete the list of those alleged to have conspired in the murder. The NPA’s involvement in opposing and later accepting a final postponement highlights the procedural interplay between prosecution readiness and the defence’s ability to secure representation and funding.
- 16 December 2025 – Warrick “Dj Warras” Stock shot outside Zambesi Building, Johannesburg CBD.
- 19 August 2026 – SAPS issued J50 warrant for Hlengiwe Buthelezi; Majola appears in Johannesburg High Court.
- 18 September 2026 – Next court date after final postponement for Majola.
| Accused | Age | Allegations / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Hlengiwe Buthelezi | 40 | Wanted on J50 warrant for alleged conspiracy to commit murder |
| Victor Mthethwa Majola | 44 | Charged with premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder; appeared in High Court; matter postponed to 18 Sept |
| Joaquim Armando Pacula | 25 | Pleaded guilty to murder; sentenced to 25 years |
As the case progresses towards the next hearing, investigators and prosecutors will continue work to locate Buthelezi and to finalise the disclosure and preparatory steps required for a trial. The police and the NPA have emphasised their roles in ensuring the matter is advanced through the criminal justice system.
