Lawyer Withdraws in DJ Warras Murder Case, Postponed for Accused to Confirm Legal Representation
The murder trial of media personality and businessman Warrick Stock, widely known as DJ Warras, hit a temporary snag in the Johannesburg High Court after a key defense lawyer withdrew from the case.
Co-accused Victor Majola and Hlengiwe Buthelezi appeared in court on Friday, facing serious charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
The charges stem from the fatal December 2025 shooting of DJ Warras outside a disputed building in the Johannesburg CBD.
During the pre-trial conference proceedings, the legal representative for Majola—the alleged mastermind behind the assassination—officially withdrew from the case.
Following the withdrawal, Majola informed the court that he intends to meet with his family to discuss the way forward regarding his legal defense.
The court explicitly advised Majola that if he cannot afford a private lawyer, he is eligible to receive a state-funded defense attorney.
Similarly, Buthelezi, who made her first appearance alongside Majola after being arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, requested time to consult with her family. She noted that she has not seen them since her arrest and needs to decide whether she will hire a private attorney or apply for Legal Aid.
The court has postponed the matter to 8 October 2026.
Both accused are required to clarify their final decisions on their legal representation when they return to the dock.
