The investigation into the tragic assassination of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock took a dark and clinical turn in court on Monday. Armando Joaquin Pacula, the 25-year-old alleged gunman, has officially abandoned his bid for bail as the State laid out a haunting trail of evidence linking the murder to a professional contract killing.
Appearing in the dock facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act, Pacula’s legal standing and the specifics of the alleged “hit” dominated the proceedings.
The Price of a Hit: R25,000 Contract
The prosecution presented a grim financial breakdown of the assassination, painting a picture of a calculated and cold-blooded transaction.
- The Contract: State prosecutors allege that the hit on the popular DJ was valued at R25,000.
- The Payout: Pacula reportedly received a mere R7,000 for his alleged role as the triggerman who carried out the shooting.
- The Motive: While the “middleman” and the ultimate mastermind are still under investigation, the State is confident that the killing was a pre-meditated execution rather than a botched robbery.
Shacks, Bags, and Dreadlocks
The State prosecutor, Vincent Mochabela, detailed the evidence found at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, where Pacula was apprehended.
- The Physical Disguise: Though Pacula appeared in court without them, police reportedly discovered a set of dreadlocks at the shack where he was arrested, suggesting a possible attempt to alter his appearance post-crime.
- The Evidence Bag: Officers discovered a bag believed to have been used to transport the murder weapon. While the firearm itself remains missing, the bag is being processed for forensic links.
- Unverifiable Identity: The defense’s attempt to provide a residential address failed after police found the shack empty. Furthermore, the State confirmed Pacula is allegedly in the country unlawfully.
Abandoned Bail & Safety Fears
In a strategic shift, Pacula’s Legal Aid representative informed the court that the accused would no longer be seeking bail. Instead, the defense hinted at a potential plea deal in the near future.
The proceedings took a tense turn when Pacula’s lawyer stated that the accused is “afraid he will be killed” while in custody. To address these safety concerns, the court ordered that he be detained at Modderbee Prison in Benoni, rather than the Johannesburg Correctional Center (Sun City).
What’s Next?
The case has been postponed to February 11, 2026. Pacula will join his co-accused, Victor Majola (Accused No. 1), as the State prepares to connect the dots between the hitman, the money, and the motive.
