A 25-year-old Mozambican national has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of popular DJ Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock in Johannesburg.
Joaquim Armando Pacula was sentenced by the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg after pleading guilty to murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravening the Immigration Act.
NPA South Gauteng spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said Pacula entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the State in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, following consultation with Stock’s family.
According to the agreement, Pacula admitted to shooting and killing Stock in exchange for R25 000.
Stock was fatally shot on 16 December 2025 outside the Zambesi Building in the Johannesburg CBD.
Pacula was sentenced to 25 years for murder, eight years for unlawful possession of a firearm, six months for unlawful possession of ammunition and 12 months for contravening the Immigration Act.
The court ordered that all the sentences run concurrently with the 25-year murder sentence, meaning Pacula will serve an effective 25 years behind bars.
Mohlatlole said the prosecution successfully secured Pacula’s conviction through the plea proceedings, while investigations and the prosecution of the remaining accused continue.
The case against co-accused Victor Majola remains before the court and has been postponed to 17 August 2026 for the conclusion of the pre-trial conference.
The NPA said the successful prosecution demonstrates its commitment to tackling organised and violent crime, including contract killings, and bringing those responsible to justice.
