Intelligence Operation Leads to Conviction in DJ Warras Assassination Case
Gauteng police have secured a 25-year prison sentence against Joaquim Armando Pacula for the 2025 murder of radio personality Warrick Stock. Pacula confessed to receiving payment for the fatal shooting following a multi-unit police investigation.
Key takeaways
- Joaquim Armando Pacula received a 25-year prison sentence after confessing to the contract killing of Warrick Stock.
- The perpetrator was paid R25,000 to carry out the shooting on December 16, 2025.
- A second suspect, Victor Mthethowakhe Majola, remains in custody pending further legal action.
- Gauteng police utilized a multidisciplinary task force to track Pacula to the Primrose Squatter Camp.
What Happened
The Johannesburg High Court sentenced Joaquim Armando Pacula to an effective 25 years in prison on Friday, August 7, for his role in the killing of radio personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock. Stock was fatally shot in Johannesburg on December 16, 2025. During court proceedings, Pacula admitted to executing the murder in exchange for a payment of R25,000.
Police operations led to Pacula's arrest at the Primrose Squatter Camp on January 30, 2026. Investigators recovered dreadlocks at the scene of the arrest, which Pacula allegedly wore during the commission of the crime. Pacula entered guilty pleas for murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and violations of the Immigration Act.
Background
The investigation into Stock's death resulted in two primary arrests. The first suspect, Victor Mthethowakhe Majola, was apprehended on December 26, 2025, ten days after the shooting. While Pacula has been sentenced, Majola remains in custody as legal proceedings against him continue. The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, attributed the resolution of the case to an intelligence-led strategy involving the Serious and Violent Crime Investigation unit, the Provincial Investigation Unit, DPC Crime Detection, and the Tactical Response Team.
Key Facts
- Victim: Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock.
- Date of Crime: December 16, 2025.
- Convicted individual: Joaquim Armando Pacula, sentenced to 25 years.
- Confession: Pacula admitted to killing Stock for a sum of R25,000.
- Secondary Suspect: Victor Mthethowakhe Majola, arrested December 26, 2025.
- Arrest Details: Pacula was found at Primrose Squatter Camp with dreadlocks used as a disguise.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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