Sol Phenduka
Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka has addressed the backlash that followed a cryptic tweet he shared just hours before the death of popular DJ and broadcaster DJ Warras was officially confirmed.
The post, shared on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, sparked confusion and panic online after it hinted at the passing of a well-known figure in the entertainment industry without naming anyone.
As news of DJ Warras’ death later emerged, many social media users accused Phenduka of being insensitive and unnecessarily alarming by not providing full details from the start.
Responding to the criticism, the broadcaster explained that his silence on specifics was intentional and rooted in respect for the late DJ and his family.
Speaking to the Daily Sun, Phenduka said he chose not to mention names because he had not been given permission to do so.
“I didn’t reveal any names because I had not received consent and I was respecting the family,” he said.
He added that his post was driven by shock and emotion after hearing the initial reports. “I was reacting emotionally to the news I heard and hoping it wasn’t true.”
Phenduka stressed that causing panic was never his intention and offered condolences to those close to DJ Warras.
“I never meant to cause worry. My thoughts are with DJ Warras’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Following the confirmation of Warras’ death, Phenduka continued to speak out, including calling on former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba to take action on crime in the city.
He resurfaced an earlier post in which DJ Warras had appealed to Mashaba for help in addressing crime in the Johannesburg CBD, the same area where he was later killed.
