Gauteng police have shed light on the intelligence-led operation that ultimately helped investigators track down the man convicted of killing popular radio personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock.
DJ Warras was shot and killed in Johannesburg on 16 December 2025, sending shockwaves through South Africa’s entertainment and broadcasting industry.
Police investigation leads to arrest
According to Gauteng police, the investigation involved several units working together to identify those responsible for the murder.
Police first arrested Victor Mthethowakhe Majola on 26 December 2025, just 10 days after the killing.
Investigators later identified Joaquim Armando Pacula as another suspect. He was arrested on 30 January 2026 at the Primrose Squatter Camp.
During the arrest operation, officers also recovered dreadlocks that police allege Pacula had been wearing during the commission of the crime.
Killer sentenced to 25 years
The case reached a significant milestone when the Johannesburg High Court sentenced Pacula to an effective 25 years in prison on Friday, 7 August 2026.
The National Prosecuting Authority said Pacula admitted to shooting and killing DJ Warras in exchange for R25,000.
He pleaded guilty to several charges, including murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravening the Immigration Act.
Majola remains in custody while proceedings against him continue.
Police praise intelligence-led investigation
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni welcomed the conviction and praised the investigators involved in the case.
The investigation brought together members of the Serious and Violent Crime Investigation unit, Provincial Investigation Unit, DPC Crime Detection and Tactical Response Team.
Mthombeni said the conviction highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven policing and cooperation between different investigative teams.
The outcome also provides some measure of justice following the killing of DJ Warras, whose death sparked widespread grief among colleagues, listeners and fans.
With Pacula now sentenced, attention will turn to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the remaining accused.
