Former Johannesburg mayor and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has hinted at a possible return to the city’s top political office following the killing of popular DJ and media personality Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock in the Johannesburg CBD.
DJ Warras was shot and killed earlier this week while assisting in an operation to reclaim a hijacked building in the inner city — a murder that has reignited public concern over crime, illegal building occupations and safety in Johannesburg.
Mashaba said the incident had affected him deeply and forced him to reconsider his current role outside of city government, as pressure mounts for decisive leadership at City Hall.
Crime and hijacked buildings back in focus
The killing has once again placed the spotlight on the ongoing crisis of building hijackings in Johannesburg’s CBD, where criminal syndicates have long been accused of exploiting vulnerable residents while operating with little fear of consequence.
Mashaba, who served as Johannesburg mayor in 2016 under a DA-led coalition supported by the EFF, built his tenure on a hardline stance against corruption and organised crime linked to illegally occupied buildings.
He said the current state of the city had convinced him that firm leadership was urgently needed.
“Based on these devastating developments, it looks like I will have no choice but to return to proceed with the work I started during my tenure as mayor,” Mashaba said.
Potential political showdown looming
Should Mashaba formally enter the race, a high-profile political contest could unfold. He may find himself competing against figures from across the political spectrum, including former DA federal chair Helen Zille, under whom he previously served.
Other parties are also positioning themselves cautiously. The Patriotic Alliance has put forward its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, while the ANC, EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) have yet to make definitive announcements. Reports suggest MKP leader Jacob Zuma is leaning towards Bongani Baloyi as the party’s preferred candidate.
Mashaba said any decision to run would follow ActionSA’s internal processes, with clarity expected by February 2026.
Call for decisive leadership
He argued that Johannesburg required a “no-nonsense” approach to restore law and order, tackle corruption and address the housing crisis.
“I will be able to act fast and decisively to clean the city and work with the private sector to fast-track affordable accommodation,” he said. “At the same time, I will make the City of Joburg a safe place for all law-abiding citizens to call home.”
Condolences to DJ Warras’ family
Mashaba condemned the killing of DJ Warras, describing it as an attack on those standing up to criminality in the city.
“Those responsible have declared war on law-abiding citizens and anyone willing to oppose crime,” he said.
He extended condolences to the family and friends of DJ Warras, saying ActionSA stood with them during what he described as a devastating loss.