DJ Warras murder-accused could be in SA illegally

THE second suspect in the murder of Warrick Stock, popularly known as “DJ Warras” is in the country illegally and lacks the necessary documentation, the court was told on Monday.

Mozambican national Armindo Joaquim Pacula, 25, made his first appearance before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.

He faces charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravention of the Immigration Act. Stock, also the founder of a VIP protection company, was shot multiple times in what the State alleges was a planned hit.

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

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

It also emerged that Pacula 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. 

He will remain in police custody for seven days. 

His co-accused Victor Mthethowakhe Majola was denied bail in January and is due back in court in mid February. 

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.

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. 

Cape Times