DJ Warras’s murder: Mozambican national abandons bail, fears for his life

Armando Joaquin Pacula appears at Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 9 February 2026. Picture: Nigel Sibanda / The Citizen The Mozambican national accused, who has been linked to the murder of media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, has ditched his bid to apply for bail. Armando Joaquin Pacula made his second appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 February 2026.

The alleged gunman was arrested on 30 January at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, Germiston. Pacula faces charges of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit murder relating to Stock’s killing. He has also been charged with contravening the Immigration Act.

Pacula’s legal representative informed the court that the accused had decided toabandon his bail application. The defence further revealed that Pacula may be considering a plea agreement, although this has not yet been finalised. “Furthermore, he is informing me that there is a possibility of a plea in this matter,” the lawyer said, adding that he was not in possession of the docket to confirm whether Pacula intended to plead guilty.

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The accused also raised concerns about his safety in custody and requested not to be detained at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, also known as Sun City. “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.”

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