‘I Fear I’ll Be Killed’: DJ Warras Murder Suspect Begs to Be Moved From Prison, Abandons Bail

The man accused of murdering popular broadcaster Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock has told a Johannesburg court that he fears for his life while in custody.

DJ Warras Murder Accused Raises Safety Fears

Armindo Pacula, the Mozambican national linked to the killing of DJ Warras, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court where his legal team revealed that he is afraid he could be killed behind bars.

Pacula has asked not to be returned to Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City Prison, citing safety concerns. During his appearance, he appeared more composed than during his first court appearance and no longer seemed confused.

According to his lawyer, Pacula has abandoned plans to apply for bail and may be considering a plea agreement with the State.

“Were so bad that he is abandoning bail. Furthermore, he informed me he wants to enter into a plea agreement with the State,” Gumpe said.

Request to Be Moved as State Confirms Transfer

Pacula specifically requested to be detained at another correctional facility, fearing retaliation.

“He requests not to be brought back to Sun City Prison. He wants to be imprisoned somewhere else. He’s been told that there are people who killed his friends and he’s scared he may be killed if he’s incarcerated there.”

State prosecutor Vincent Mochabela told the court that arrangements had already been made to move the accused.

“Arrangement has already been made that he be kept at Modderbee Prison,” Mochabela said.

Mochabela also informed the court that attempts to verify Pacula’s residential address were unsuccessful.

“The address is negative. No people were found at his address in Germiston. Even his status – he’s in the country illegally,” he said.

Mozambique Weighs In as Case Heads Back to Court

The Mozambican Consul General in Johannesburg, Guilherme Tamele, attended the court proceedings and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.

“First of all, as the Consul General of Mozambique in Johannesburg, we send our sympathy to the family of the deceased, the loved ones and fans. We share in their grief.

“We have taken note of the proceedings in this court, and we trust that the matter will be handled with fairness, due process and in accordance with South African law. We are committed to cooperation with the South African authorities as far as this case is concerned,” said Tamele said.

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Magistrate Radasi postponed the matter to Wednesday, 11 February, when Pacula is expected to appear alongside his co-accused, Victor Majola. Majola was denied bail last month.

DJ Warras was fatally shot on 16 December 2025 outside a building near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg’s CBD. The State alleges that three suspects confronted the well-known radio and television presenter before opening fire and fleeing the scene. Stock was buried on 23 December.

Investigators believe the killing was linked to a dispute at Zambezi Flats following the appointment of Stock’s security company to install a biometric access system at the building. The installation reportedly followed allegations that certain individuals were illegally collecting rent from tenants.

Before his death, Stock allegedly received threats and obtained a protection order against five individuals.

The alleged hit is believed to have been worth R25 000, with Pacula allegedly receiving R7 000.