Deputy Minister Peace Mabe pays tribute to DJ Warras and calls for protection of creative lives

Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage at the killing of renowned broadcaster and cultural figure Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, describing his death as a tragic loss to South Africa’s creative, media and cultural community.

“DJ Warras was not only a gifted broadcaster and storyteller, but a cultural connector whose voice carried joy, humour and meaning into the lives of many South Africans. His killing is a painful reminder that violence continues to cut down lives that contribute positively to our democracy, our creative economy and our shared social fabric," said Mabe.

DJ Warras was on Tuesday shot and killed in Johannesburg’s CBD, a violent act that has shaken the broadcasting fraternity and the wider public. His death comes at a time when South Africa continues to grapple with the safety of creatives, media practitioners and cultural workers, particularly those who live and work in public-facing spaces.

Mabe said the loss must be understood not only as a personal tragedy, but as a national failure to adequately protect life.

“The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees the right to life, dignity, freedom and security of the person. These are not abstract principles. They are lived rights, and they must be defended in practice,” she said.

She added that the right to freedom of expression and cultural participation — as protected in Sections 16, 30 and 31 of the Constitution — cannot be meaningfully realised in an environment where creatives live in fear.

“As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure that artists, broadcasters and cultural workers are able to contribute to society without threat to their safety. The Cultural and Creative Industries Masterplan recognises the sector as both an economic and social pillar. That pillar cannot stand when violence becomes normalised.”

Mabe also acknowledged the deep pain felt across communities who saw themselves reflected in DJ Warras’ authenticity, courage and visibility.

“He represented a generation of creatives who lived openly, honestly and without apology. South Africa must be a country where diversity is protected, not punished, and where difference does not become a death sentence.”

She extended heartfelt condolences to DJ Warras’ family, friends, colleagues and listeners, and called for swift justice.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to act decisively and transparently. Accountability is essential, not only for his loved ones, but for public confidence in the rule of law. Let us honour DJ Warras not only with words, but with action — by recommitting ourselves to a society that values life, safeguards creativity and refuses to accept violence as inevitable," said Mabe.