Kwesta slams Herman Mashaba over controversial comments following DJ Warras’s passing

Rapper Kwesta has responded to comments made by businessman and former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba following the death of DJ Warras, sparking debate on X about politics, accountability and public safety.

The exchange began when Ulrich Janse van Vuuren shared a tribute to the late DJ, writing: “Always viewed DJ Warras as someone who passionately cared about people and South Africa. Such tragic news of his untimely passing. Rest in peace. My condolences to his family.”

Mashaba replied to the post with a quote tweet that drew strong reactions.

He wrote: “I’m devastated that this great patriot died for the cause I have dedicated my political life to, the Inner City Rejuvenation Plan. I know and appreciate that DJ Warras is no more, but I want to assure all South Africans that his death is not going to be in vain, unless they kill all of us.”

Kwesta then weighed in with his own quote tweet, pushing back against Mashaba’s framing of the tragedy.

He wrote: “The man hit you up, sibhekile sonke (we were all watching). Fairness may dictate that this too be ignored. MORE! Let’s do that. Nothing has been enough except the lives we keep losing. With all due.”

Kwesta’s response prompted mixed reactions from X users, with some defending Mashaba and others expressing frustration with politicians more broadly.

@SAFootyFanatic commented: “To be fair, Herman is not in any position of power to actually help. He is basically an ordinary citizen unless South Africans actually vote him into power again.”

@MYKAPTENI added: “The outreach was more of an acknowledgement of the battle that was fought by Mr Mashaba when he was mayor. Warriors know that Mr Mashaba has no official power over the city anymore. Use your brain, bro.”

Others focused on the wider issue of trust in political leadership.

@amaruTh3Great wrote: “Unfortunately, it's true because honestly I don't trust politicians anymore, and some will realise only when they lose someone closer to them. RIP Warras.”

@ArabianQ said: “Start by campaigning for Herman Mashaba to be JHB mayor. He really tried to deal with this mess when he was the mayor.”

Warras, born Warrick Stock, was a well-known South African radio and television presenter, club DJ and businessman. He was shot and killed in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

According to preliminary reports, Warras was managing a security company involved in recovering a hijacked building in Johannesburg. Public safety officials have indicated that his murder may be linked to this work.

He was ambushed by three unknown suspects shortly after parking his vehicle outside the building and was shot multiple times in the upper body. A manhunt for the suspects is currently underway.