The courtroom in Johannesburg’s Magistrate’s Court fell silent on a tense January morning in 2026 as Victor Majola, the 44-year-old Soweto taxi boss accused of masterminding the brutal murder of popular media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, finally addressed the allegations head-on. Rising to his feet during his ongoing bail hearing, Majola declared with unwavering conviction: “I am innocent — they are lying about me.”
The dramatic proclamation came amid a heated bail application where Majola, facing Schedule 6 charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder, insisted he has been framed through mistaken identity and fabricated evidence. His words echoed through the packed gallery, momentarily halting proceedings as spectators and court officials absorbed the raw denial from the man prosecutors describe as the orchestrator of a cold-blooded hit.
DJ Warras, real name Warrick Stock, was gunned down in a targeted shooting outside Zambezi Flats in Johannesburg’s CBD on December 16, 2025. The incident stemmed from escalating tensions over rental collections and security control at the building. Stock had secured a protection order against six individuals just weeks earlier, following threats made at two separate events in November 2025. His first court appearance related to the protection order was on December 12, 2025, with the matter postponed to February 2026. Tragically, he never lived to see the resolution.
Prosecutors allege Majola was the key figure behind the killing, pointing to chilling evidence including CCTV footage from a nearby butchery security camera. Investigating officer Captain Abe Montwedi testified that the video captures approximately 45 minutes of activity involving the alleged shooter and Majola before and after the fatal shooting. According to the state, it shows Majola seated with two others—including the suspected gunman—shortly before the attack. Additionally, evidence presented in court revealed that Majola had DJ Warras’ contact details stored in his phone, further linking him to the victim.
The state has vehemently opposed bail, arguing that Majola poses a serious flight risk, could interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation, and might commit further offenses if released. Senior prosecutor Vincent Mochabela stressed the gravity of the charges and the potential for Majola to abscond or tamper with evidence.
In defense, Majola’s attorney, Dumisani Mabunda, has pushed back aggressively. They submitted an alibi supported by a mechanic’s affidavit claiming Majola was in Soweto repairing a black Volkswagen Golf on the day of the murder. Majola allegedly arrived around 11 a.m., stayed for hours working on the vehicle, briefly left for about 15 minutes around 2 p.m. to withdraw cash from a nearby ATM, and then returned. Mabunda argued this timeline makes it “impossible for Majola to have been in two places at the same time,” dismissing the state’s version as reliant on mistaken identity.
Majola has repeatedly accused police of fabricating evidence, including claims that statements from his girlfriend were manipulated to implicate him. His legal team sought to compel the presentation of the full CCTV footage in court to challenge the prosecution’s narrative, but Magistrate Annelise Thlapi dismissed the application on January 15, 2026. She ruled that bail hearings are not mini-trials, that the footage remains under forensic analysis, and that releasing it prematurely could interfere with the investigation. Hearsay testimony from the investigating officer about the video was deemed admissible at this stage.
Throughout the proceedings, Majola has maintained a stoic demeanor, often sitting calmly in the dock, staring at the floor. He has expressed condolences to Stock’s family while steadfastly denying any involvement.
The bail hearing unfolded over several days in mid-January 2026, with arguments continuing on January 16 and a ruling expected shortly thereafter. As of late January, Majola remains in custody pending the magistrate’s decision on whether exceptional circumstances exist to grant bail.
This high-profile case has gripped South Africa, highlighting disputes in Johannesburg’s rental and security sectors that can turn deadly. The murder of DJ Warras—a well-known figure in media and entertainment—has sparked widespread calls for justice and thorough investigation.
