Johannesburg – Mozambican national Armando Joaquin Pacula, accused of murdering media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, has abandoned his bid for bail during his second appearance at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026.
Pacula, arrested on 30 January at the Marathon informal settlement in Germiston, faces charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.
His lawyer indicated that Pacula may be considering a plea agreement, though nothing has been finalised.
The accused also expressed concerns for his safety in custody, requesting a transfer from Johannesburg Correctional Centre to Modderbee Correctional Centre, which the authorities have arranged.
“According to him, he is informing me that there are people who killed his friend, and he is afraid he might be killed if he is incarcerated at Johannesburg correctional services,” his lawyer said.
[WATCH] DJ Warras murder-accused, Armindo Pacula abandons bail. He’s requesting a transfer from the Johannesburg Prison known saying he received death threats and fears for his life. He will be kept at Modderbee Correctional Services. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/gUNdAcocJd
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) February 9, 2026
Stock was fatally shot on 16 December 2025 near the Carlton Centre in Johannesburg, in what investigators believe was a targeted attack linked to a dispute over his security company’s installation of a biometric access system at Zambezi Flats.
Pacula allegedly received R7 000 for the hit, part of a total R25 000 payment.
The matter was postponed to 11 February, when Pacula and co-accused Victor Mthethwa Majola — who was previously denied bail — are expected to appear together.
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compiled by Betha Madhomu
