The man convicted of murdering Johannesburg DJ Warrick Stock, popularly known as DJ Warras, has admitted that he was paid R25,000 to carry out the killing. Mozambican national Armando Pacula entered into a plea agreement with the State at the Johannesburg High Court on Friday.
Pacula, 25, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to murder, illegal immigration and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentence brings the case against the man who admitted pulling the trigger to a close.
DJ Warras, 40, was shot dead in the Johannesburg CBD in December last year after an oversight visit to a hijacked building. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the plea agreement was concluded after consultations with the Stock family.
DJ Warras Murder Accused Admits R25,000 Payment
The DJ Warras murder case revealed that Pacula had agreed to carry out the shooting in exchange for R25,000. His admission formed part of the plea agreement reached with the State before the Johannesburg High Court.
Pacula was convicted on three charges, namely murder, illegal immigration and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The court subsequently sentenced him to 25 years behind bars.
The conviction follows the fatal shooting of Stock in the Johannesburg CBD in December 2025. Stock was conducting an oversight visit to a hijacked building when he was gunned down.
DJ Warras Killing Leads To 25-Year Prison Sentence
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed that the plea and sentence agreement was reached following consultation with the Stock family. The NPA said the outcome holds the convicted killer accountable for his role in the fatal shooting.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the sentence demonstrated the authority’s commitment to prosecuting violent killings.
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“This sentence reaffirms the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent and contract killings are held accountable and that justice is served for the victims and their families,” Mohlatlole said.
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While Pacula has been sentenced, proceedings against another suspect accused of premeditated murder are continuing. The remaining case has been postponed to 17 August.
The development means the broader investigation into DJ Warras’ killing remains before the courts. Pacula’s 25-year sentence follows his admission that he was responsible for pulling the trigger in the fatal December shooting.
