Alleged DJ Warras hitman abandons bail as state links killing to R25 000 contract

DJ Warras second murder suspect Armando Pacula 

Armando Joaquin Pacula, the man accused of pulling the trigger in the murder of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, appeared in court on Monday as prosecutors tightened their case and raised serious concerns about his legal status and whereabouts.

The 25-year-old faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder and contravening the Immigration Act.

He was arrested at the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, Germiston, following investigations into the fatal shooting of the popular DJ.

The case had previously been postponed to allow authorities to verify Pacula’s residential address and confirm whether he was legally in South Africa.

Addressing the court on Monday, state prosecutor Vincent Mochabela revealed that the information provided by the defence could not be verified and that Pacula is allegedly in the country unlawfully.

“The matter was remanded for address verification. The address the defence gave was checked, and nobody was found at that shack. He is also illegal in the country,” Mochabela told the court.

In a notable turn, Pacula has since withdrawn his intention to apply for bail. His Legal Aid SA lawyer informed the court that the accused would no longer pursue bail and may instead consider a plea. “He is abandoning bail. There is a possibility of a plea,” the defence said.

The court also heard chilling details about the alleged motive behind DJ Warras’ killing. According to the state, the murder was a hired hit valued at R25 000, with Pacula believed to have received R7 000 for carrying out the shooting.

Investigators further told the court that although Pacula initially appeared without dreadlocks, police later found dreadlocks at the shack where he was arrested.

Officers also allegedly discovered a bag believed to have been used to hide the firearm linked to the murder, although the weapon itself has not yet been recovered.

Pacula’s lawyer raised concerns about his safety in custody, telling the court that the accused feared for his life.

“He is afraid he will be killed,” the lawyer said, requesting that Pacula not be held at Sun City prison. The state responded by confirming alternative arrangements, with Mochabela stating that Pacula would instead be detained at Modderbee Prison in Benoni.

The matter has been postponed to 11 February, when co-accused Victor Majola, listed as accused number one, is also expected to appear.

Prosecutors confirmed that investigations into DJ Warras’ murder are ongoing, with further developments anticipated as the case unfolds.