DJ Warras, also known as “The Shady Lurker”, has died. He was brutally murdered on the morning of Tuesday, 16 December 2025, in downtown Johannesburg. Warrick “Warras” Stock was a respected South African media personality, activist, and businessman.

His family further states that he was affectionately known as DJ Warras, but also known as “The Shady Lurker”.

DJ Warras, also known as “The Shady Lurker” has died

In a statement, his family says the senseless nature of his passing has left them devastated, broken and struggling to imagine a world without him. Family members have expressed their overwhelming shock, deep sorrow and ”indescribable heartbreak” after news emerged of his tragic and untimely brutal death.

“He brought light, laughter, and strength into every space he occupied.”

Warras was a loving and proud father

The statement further reads that Warrick “Warras” Stock was a loving and proud father of three young children. He was a devoted son to his mother, as well as a cherished brother and uncle. The 40-year-old was “the heart and anchor of his family.”

“His influence and kindness extended far beyond his home.”

Give SAPS the space they need to find the perpetrators, please

From the statement: “As the family begins the painful journey of mourning, they humbly ask for privacy, compassion, and understanding during this unimaginably difficult time. They also respectfully request that the Police be given the space and support needed to thoroughly investigate this tragic crime.” This will help for justice to be served.

“He was deeply loved by his friends, colleagues, and the wider South African entertainment community.”

The Stock family has extended their heartfelt gratitude

Meanwhile, the Stock family has extended their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love, messages of support, and condolences received since the news of Warrick’s passing was made public. They say the outpouring of kindness, compassion, and solidarity has brought moments of comfort during an incredibly dark time. At this stage, there are no details regarding a memorial or funeral arrangements. The family says this will be shared in due course.

“At this time, the family is not in a position to appoint a spokesperson. They kindly ask that they be kept in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this deep and painful loss.”

The Western Cape Department of Mobility has increased its presence on roads this festive season following a spate of accidents that claimed over 50 lives, including 26 pedestrians, since the start of December.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku says Law Enforcement operations has been intensified, with alcohol-related offences a major concern after more than 100 arrests in just one week.

“Reckless behaviour continues to place lives at risk. Alcohol abuse, speeding, and irresponsible pedestrian behaviour continue to claim lives unnecessarily.”

Provincial Traffic Services has set up over 200 roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control points across the province.

Chief Director for Traffic Management Maxine Bezuidenhout says more than 44 000 vehicles were stopped and checked between 8–14 December 2025. These operations resulted in 119 arrests, including 81 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and over 7 000 traffic fines issued.

“Our traffic officers are visible across the province, working around the clock through roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed operations to protect all road users. However, enforcement can only go so far. We urge drivers to obey speed limits, never drink and drive, and for pedestrians to remain vigilant, visible, and sober when walking near roads.”

Sileku appealed to all road users, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, to take personal responsibility and practise safe behaviours on the roads.

“As many residents and visitors travel across the province to visit loved ones and celebrate this special time, we are reminded that every journey has meaning. Whether travelling to see family, friends, or simply to enjoy a well-deserved break, each journey represents a moment of joy and connection. We urge everyone to be patient, considerate, and responsible on our roads so that this festive season is marked by celebration and togetherness, not tragedy.”

A search operation is continuing for a 35-year-old man who went missing at sea after being swept off rocks along the George coastline. 

The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near Thembalethu. Jonathon Britton, a spokesperson for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) said the man was with friends on the shoreline reportedly collecting fishing bait. 

“NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated following reports of a local man swept off rocks by waves while (we believe) gathering fishing bait,” said Britton.  

Britton explains that rescue teams were alerted shortly after 16:00, and emergency services responded swiftly, with multiple agencies dispatched to the scene.  

An extensive search was launched by land, sea and air. Several rescue craft were deployed from nearby launch points, while search teams scanned the shoreline for any sign of the missing man.  

“The NSRI rescue craft Oscars Rescuer was launched on the Gwaing River, the NSRI rescue craft V’s Rescuer was launched at Herolds Bay and a George Fire and Rescue Services rescue craft was launched and proceeded in extensive sea search efforts offshore and along the coastline in the area.” 

Britton added that a rescue helicopter was also activated to assist from above, broadening the scope of the operation as daylight faded. 

Despite the coordinated response, the man has not yet been found.  

Britton added that “police divers are continuing in ongoing search efforts”.  

“Thoughts and care are with the family and friends of the missing man in this difficult time.” 

The invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer beetle (PSHB) has now been confirmed in Cape Town’s central business district and Hout Bay, which city officials have described as deeply concerning and requiring urgent public cooperation.

Samples taken from Boxelder and London plane trees in key locations across the CBD, including Long Street, St George’s Mall, Military Road and Tamboerskloof, as well as along Victoria Road in Hout Bay, have tested positive for the beetle. DNA verification by Stellenbosch University’s Entomology Department has confirmed the infestation.

This marks the first time PSHB has been formally detected in these high-density, high-traffic areas, significantly increasing the risk of rapid spread.

The City of Cape Town says its monitoring teams are currently conducting intensive surveys to determine how widespread the infestation is, but warns that the true extent is not yet known.

“We are extremely concerned about the latest sightings and urgently request the assistance and cooperation of residents and businesses that work with plant material,” said Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

At this stage, the City cannot confirm how many trees are affected in the CBD and Hout Bay. Officials are calling on all private landowners across the city to inspect trees on their properties and to report any suspected symptoms immediately. Residents are also urged to allow City officials access to conduct assessments, noting that staff will carry official identification and wear City-branded clothing.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer is considered one of the most destructive invasive pests threatening South Africa’s urban forests. The beetle bores into trees and introduces a harmful fungus, which blocks the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, often leading to death.

Boxelder trees are of particular concern. They are one of four highly susceptible reproductive host species in which both the beetle and the fungus thrive. Once infested, Boxelder trees typically die within a year, rapidly increasing beetle populations and placing surrounding trees at risk.

To help detect new outbreaks early, the City is urging all landowners with Boxelder trees to log them on the iNaturalist platform. This information will help officials focus monitoring efforts in areas where the beetle has not yet been confirmed.

PSHB has already been detected in numerous parts of Cape Town, including Somerset West, Gordon’s Bay, Strand, Newlands, Rondebosch, Claremont, Observatory, Kenilworth, Wynberg, Durbanville, Pinelands, Parow North, Bellville, Brackenfell, Kraaifontein, Penhill and Constantia.

Residents are urged to watch for the following warning signs:

• Branch dieback
• Cracking and leaf loss
• Small sesame-seed-sized holes in the bark
• Dark staining
• Oozing sap or gum from entry points

Suspected sightings can be reported via the City’s invasive species portal, by calling the Invasive Species Unit on 021 444 2357 during office hours, or by emailing invasive.species@capetown.gov.za

The City says it will aim to respond within 10 working days, depending on the volume of reports received.

Officials stress that early detection and swift reporting remain the most effective tools to slow the spread of this destructive beetle, adding that public vigilance could make the difference between containment and widespread loss of Cape Town’s trees.

A 27-year-old man is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 17 December, on charges of culpable homicide, after fatally striking a 41-year-old cyclist on Victoria Road, near Glen Beach, on Tuesday morning.

Camps Bay Police were called out at around 07:00 this morning. The 27-year-old suspect, driving a blue BMW at the time, collided with the cyclist, who is reportedly a local.

The cyclist was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

Victoria Road between Strathmore and Argyle Road was closed for a few hours while forensics and SAPS accident reconstruction teams attended to the scene.

The suspect was subsequently arrested. According to some reports on cycling groups, the suspect was allegedly drunk, but this has not been confirmed by police.

Ward Councillor Nicola Jowell says a second person was also taken to hospital with injuries. It is unclear whether the second injured person is also a cyclist.

She has extended her condolences to the family of the cyclist.