Case Explained: Court postpones bail decision for second suspect in DJ Warras murder case – Legal Perspective

The bail application for Armindo Joaquim Pacula, 25, the second suspect accused of killing Warrick Stock, who was popularly known as “DJ Warras” has been postponed to next week Monday, February 9, to verify his address and immigration status.

Pacula, a Mozambican national, appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

He was arrested on Friday evening during a crime intelligence operation at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, Ekurhuleni.

He faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravention of the Immigration Act.

However, the police had previously described the alleged shooter as a tall man with dreadlocks, whereas Pacula has short hair.

The court heard that Pacula is in the country illegally and lacks the necessary documentation. 

He also does not have the funds to cover his legal expenses and was advised to apply for Legal Aid, which he agreed to do.

His Legal Aid representative told the court that Pacula does not have a fixed address, and there is no evidence that he is in the country lawfully. 

Despite this, Pacula insisted on applying for bail and claimed that his identification documents had been taken by the police.

The State requested that the matter be postponed for verification of Pacula’s address and immigration status. 

The court subsequently postponed the bail application to next week Monday, February 9 to allow for these checks. 

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Pacula remains in custody until the next appearance. 

“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,” said NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Pacula was arrested at about 8pm on January 30, 2026. 

The operation was led by the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation’s Provincial Investigation Unit (PIU), working with Crime Intelligence and the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department.

Pacula’s arrest follows the recent court appearance of the first accused, Victor Mthethowakhe Majola, whose bail application was denied on January 26. 

Majola, 44, is due back in court on February 11.

He faces charges of murder, premeditated murder, and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Stock’s fatal shooting outside the Zambesi Building in Johannesburg’s central business district in December last year.

Stock, a popular DJ, radio personality, businessman, and founder of a VIP protection company, was shot multiple times in what the State alleges was a planned hit.

His killing sparked widespread shock across the entertainment industry and among his followers.

During bail proceedings, Majola argued that he should be released pending trial, claiming he is not a flight risk and has no reason to evade justice. 

He described himself as a self-employed taxi owner with assets, strong community ties, and dependants, and denied any involvement in the murder.

He also said the case against him was weak and based on assumptions, and sought access to video footage he believes could assist his defence.

Prosecutors opposed bail, arguing that Majola poses a risk to the administration of justice and could interfere with witnesses if released. 

They said evidence links him to the planning of the murder, including CCTV footage and witness statements placing him near the crime scene on the day of the killing.

Investigating officer Captain Abe Montwedi previously told the court that the investigation was at an advanced stage and that additional arrests, including that of the alleged shooter, were expected. 

The State maintained that releasing Majola could jeopardise ongoing investigations.

Majola’s bail application was postponed several times to allow the court to consider arguments regarding the admissibility of video evidence and the strength of the State’s case. 

The magistrate reserved judgment, citing the seriousness of the matter.

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