Remembering Respect: SA Responds to DJ Warras' Viral Photo Backlash
- Twitter users have faced backlash for sharing images of DJ Warras’ deceased body
- An image circulating on Twitter depicts DJ Warras’ body on the sidewalk in Johannesburg
- Supporters of DJ Warras have urged the public to respect his family and friends by not disseminating the graphic image
South Africans have voiced their outrage against social media users who are sharing footage and images of DJ Warras’ deceased body.
DJ Warras was fatally shot in Johannesburg on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the intersection of Von Wielligh Street and Commissioner Street, directly across from the Carlton Centre.
Following reports of his death on social media, users began to disseminate photos and videos depicting DJ Warras’ remains on the pavement.
DJ Warras’ sister calls on users to cease sharing images of his deceased form
In a conversation with SABC News reporter Chriselda Zozi Lewis at the site of the incident, DJ Warras’ sister, Nicole Stock, expressed her family’s heartbreak following the DJ’s murder in the Johannesburg city center.
Nicole Stock stated that DJ Warras’ passing represents not only a familial loss but a significant loss for South Africa overall.
“I’m broken, I’m shattered because we know he was a voice for many people around the country and even around the world. You know, he spoke bravely about so many issues that not many people would speak about. It’s truly a tremendous loss not only to us as a family, but to a nation as well. I hope we use this opportunity to not focus only on the negative. Justice will prevail. We need to let things take their course. We need to stand together,” Nicole Stock said.
She appealed to South Africans to refrain from sharing images and videos of DJ Warras’ body online for the sake of his three sons.
“People, if you can remove certain images, he’s got three beautiful boys. You know, he’s. Yeah, just if you could, if you could take, if you could take that off. We don’t want them. We need you guys. We need positive stuff right now. He was a good guy, and everybody knows that. I think that’s all I can say,” Nicole Stock said.
Watch the video here:
Fans criticize social media users for posting images of DJ Warras’ remains
On X (formerly Twitter), many South Africans denounced the sharing of the image of DJ Warras’ body, stating it was disrespectful to his family. Various users called for police intervention against those sharing the image.
Here are some of the comments:
@yangamessi criticized:
“This is very insensitive to share. Please respect the family 😪”
@NdouRocca questioned:
“Who takes such pictures 💔💔💔”
@mrsladylulu remarked:
“This is disgraceful, insensitive and utterly disgusting of you to post this. Warras has grown kids and a family. Trash.”
@TteeThabo urged:
“@SAPoliceService, here is another posting of someone’s picture without the family consenting to it.”
@Nthabi_moka2 called for:
“Everyone who comes across this account should report this post!”
