Mashaba blames Zille for coalition collapse after DJ Warras killing

ActionSA leader and former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba has accused Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille and the Institute of Race Relations of bearing responsibility for the collapse of the coalition government he led in the City of Johannesburg. Mashaba made the remarks following the fatal shooting of Warrick Stock popularly known as DJ Warras.

DJ Warras was shot and killed on Tuesday in the Johannesburg CBD. According to police, three unknown men opened fire on him and fled the scene on foot. Gauteng police confirmed that a case of murder has been opened and is under investigation. Police have urged anyone with information related to the killing to come forward. His death has prompted widespread reaction across the country.

Mashaba said his resignation as mayor followed the return of Zille to the leadership of the DA. He said he did not want to be associated with views he attributed to her leadership. Mashaba stated that at the time of his resignation, the Johannesburg council had already approved and awarded 154 inner city buildings to the private sector on long term leases as part of an inner city revitalisation programme.

He said the approved projects were expected to deliver major economic benefits to the city. Mashaba said the developments were projected to attract R32 billion in construction investment, create 22 000 permanent jobs during the construction phase, and deliver 14 000 housing units. He added that one of the areas of contention was a demand that 30 percent of the units be allocated as affordable accommodation for poor residents and students.

Mashaba further said that when the late former mayor Geoff Makhubo took office, the inner city rejuvenation plan was dropped. He said this decision was taken with the support of some DA councillors who he claimed were mobilised by Zille.

Alongside his political comments, Mashaba joined many South Africans in paying tribute to DJ Warras. ActionSA issued a statement condemning the killing, describing it as brutal and heinous. Mashaba said reports indicated that DJ Warras was actively involved in efforts to address criminal activity in hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD at the time of his death.

ActionSA said those responsible for the killing showed no regard for human life and posed a threat to law abiding citizens, particularly individuals who take a stand against crime and work to reclaim communities. The party stated that the killing would not stop efforts to address crime in the inner city.

The party said Johannesburg needed firm leadership to address crime and lawlessness, particularly in relation to criminal syndicates operating in the city. ActionSA extended condolences to the family and friends of DJ Warras and wished them strength during the period of mourning.

The DA in Gauteng also condemned the killing and called for a swift investigation. In a statement issued by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety Crezane Bosch, the party expressed condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Stock.

The party described DJ Warras as outspoken and fearless, noting that he used his platform to speak about challenges facing communities. The party said that his killing was a significant loss to society and highlighted the prevalence of violent crime.

According to the party, the murder underscored the level of insecurity in the country and the ease with which violent crimes are carried out in public spaces. The party said the incident placed renewed pressure on law enforcement agencies to act decisively to address violent crime and ensure accountability.

The party said it would closely monitor the investigation into the killing to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The party added that no family should lose a loved one as a result of unchecked criminal activity.

Police investigations into the murder of DJ Warras are continuing as political parties and members of the public continue to pay tribute and call for justice.