Armando Joaquim Pacula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning after being formally added as the second accused in the murder case of popular Johannesburg DJ Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock.
The matter involving Pacula was postponed to 9 February 2026 for address verification, and he remains behind bars until his next court appearance.
Pacula faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder and contravention of the Immigration Act arising from the fatal shooting of Stock outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg’s central business district on 16 December 2025. His court appearance marks the latest development in an investigation authorities say is still unfolding.
The court heard that Pacula was arrested following a crime intelligence-led operation at the Marathon informal settlement in Primros, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday. The operation was conducted by the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation’s Provincial Investigation Unit, working alongside Crime Intelligence and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, after police acted on a tip-off.
Investigators allege Pacula was captured on CCTV footage with an accomplice on the day DJ Warras was killed. It is further alleged that the firearm used in the murder was concealed in a gift bag. Police also reportedly recovered dreadlocks believed to be linked to Pacula from the shack where he was arrested.
According to SABC News, the killing is believed to have been a contracted hit valued at approximately R25,000, with the alleged shooter receiving R7,000. These allegations have not yet been tested in court and remain subject to ongoing investigation.
Pacula is expected to be joined in the matter with the first accused, Victor Mthethwakhe Majola (44), who was arrested earlier in connection with the murder. Majola’s bail application was denied on 26 January 2026, and he remains in custody. He is due to return to the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on 11 February 2026.
Stock’s family did not attend the court proceedings.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the NPA would ensure accountability in the matter. “The NPA remains committed to ensuring that all those implicated in the commission of the offence are brought before the court and that justice is served without fear or favour,” Mohlatlole said.
