‘Here he is!’ Bombshell claim as DJ Warras murder accused fights bail

by Staff Bona

Murder accused Victor Mthethwa Majola has denied any involvement in the killing of popular media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, accusing the state of fabricating evidence against him as his bail application continued in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

DJ Warras was shot dead on 16 December outside the Zambesi Building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD.

Victor, 44, was arrested on 22 December and faces Schedule 6 charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

The state is opposing his release on bail.

In an affidavit read by his lawyer, Dumisani Mabunda, Victor claimed there is no forensic or cellphone evidence linking him to the crime and said his constitutional rights were violated during his arrest.

He told the court he was in Soweto at the time of the shooting, has no previous convictions, poses no flight risk and is a self-employed businessman supporting 12 children. Victor insisted police had arrested the wrong person and described the case as one of mistaken identity.

“I did not kill the deceased, nor was I involved in the planning of his killing,” Victor said, while offering condolences to DJ Warras’ family.

However, the state presented a detailed account alleging that Victor played a central role in orchestrating the murder.

Testifying for the prosecution, investigating officer Captain Abe Montwedi told the court that the killing stemmed from a dispute over the management of Zambesi Flats.

Montwedi said the building’s owner noticed a sharp drop in rental income, from more than R700,000 a month to about R400,000, and it later emerged that some tenants were illegally collecting rent.

DJ Warras and his business partner were brought in to assist, announcing plans to take over management, introduce biometric access and install security systems.

“This angered those who were illegally collecting money,” Abe said, adding that Victor’s girlfriend was among those affected. DJ Warras allegedly received threats and later applied for a protection order against six people, including Victor’s girlfriend.

On the day of the murder, Abe testified that Victor and two other men were seen sitting near street vendors outside the building. When DJ Warras stepped outside, a witness allegedly heard Majola say in isiZulu, “Nangu lomuntu” — meaning “here he is” — moments before one of the men shot DJ Warras several times. The suspects then fled on foot.

The court heard that CCTV footage showed Victor arriving with the alleged shooter, sitting together before the incident and leaving together afterwards.

Police also seized several cellphones during Victor’s arrest, allegedly containing DJ Warras’ vehicle registration details and documents belonging to his business partner. A voice note from Victor’s girlfriend allegedly suggested that incriminating material had been deleted.

Abe further told the court that an identity parade was held in which Victor was pointed out as the man who identified DJ Warras to the shooter. He said Victor has no fixed address, could intimidate witnesses and that other suspects are still outstanding.

“It is my humble request to this honourable court to keep the applicant behind bars,” Abe said.

Victor’s legal team maintains he is not a flight risk and should be granted bail. The bail hearing continues, as family members of DJ Warras looked on, some in tears, as evidence was presented.

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Betha Madhomu

Also see: DJ Warras Murder Case Postponed: Alleged Killer Receives Medical Care, Bail Set for Next Week