By Marcus Moloko
The man accused of pulling the trigger in the assassination of Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock is considering abandoning his bail application and signaled his intention to plead guilty to charges.
Armindo Joaquim Pacula, a 25-year-old Mozambican national, appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges of premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.
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Pacula allegedly confessed to being the hitman, admitting he was paid R7,000 of a promised R25,000 fee to carry out the killing.
The assassination of Stock, a well-known DJ and businessman, is believed to be linked to a dispute over hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD.
Stock, who owned a security company, was targeted while overseeing the installation of security systems at Zambesi House, a property where illegal rent collection had reportedly been taking place.
Prosecutors allege that the murder was orchestrated by Victor Mthethwa Majola, a 44 year old Soweto taxi boss who has already been denied bail.
Majola is accused of masterminding the plot, with Pacula acting as the triggerman.
Investigators say at least one additional suspect remains at large, suggesting the conspiracy may have involved a wider network.
During Monday’s proceedings, Pacula’s lawyer, Thembile Gumpye, informed the court that his client would no longer pursue bail.
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The decision followed the state’s confirmation that Pacula is in South Africa illegally and has no verifiable fixed address.
Pacula also expressed fears for his safety, claiming that associates linked to the plot had already been killed and warning that he would “die” if returned to Johannesburg’s Sun City Correctional Centre.
Magistrate Simon Radasi ordered that Pacula be transferred to Modderbee Correctional Centre in Benoni for his protection.
The move underscores the volatile nature of the case, which has already drawn public attention for its alleged ties to organised crime and the city’s ongoing battles over hijacked buildings.
The matter has been postponed to Wednesday, February 11, when Pacula will appear alongside Majola as the state prepares for a consolidated trial.
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Prosecutors are expected to outline further evidence linking the accused to the R25,000 murder plot, while investigators continue their search for additional suspects.
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