National deputy public prosecutions boss Rodney de Kock dies

Deputy National Director Of Public Prosecutions Rodney de Kock has died after a battle with cancer.

De Kock’s family said he succumbed to the cancer at Mediclinic Morningside Hospital in Johannesburg on Monday evening, surrounded by family and friends.

De Kock’s battle with cancer

“It is with great sadness, that the De Kock family announces the passing of Advocate Rodney de Kock, a seasoned advocate and officer of the court, who, at the time of his departure, was the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP).”

De Kock was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer in early December last year, resulting in a rapid decline in his health condition.

‘Huge loss’

The NDPP said the passing of De Kock is a “huge loss for the NPA and the country”.

“The NPA leadership, NPA staff and colleagues in the criminal justice system will miss his passion for justice and the rule of law in this country. DK, as we fondly called him, was a pillar of strength in the NPA.

“Amongst many other things, he led the law enforcement agencies on the FATF, focusing our collective efforts and commitment to get the country to exit greylisting and dedicated his last months to this work. He was a solid lawyer, a gentleman, and a true warrior for justice. He will be sorely missed. Strength to the De Kock family and friends, and his NPA family during this difficult time,” the NDPP said.

De Kock’s career

De Kock’s family spokesperson, Nazeem Mahatey, said the advocate had a distinguished career in private practice, mentoring young legal practitioners, and managing the country’s prosecutorial services.

“Advocate De Kock articled at Wilkinson Joshua and Gihwala in 1983, where he became a partner. He went on to serve as head of the Legal Aid Board Clinic at the University of Cape Town from 1994 to 1999, under whom numerous candidate attorneys completed their articles.

“Advocate De Kock was a founding member and served on the executive of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Nadel), established in 1987 under the leadership of renowned Cape Town lawyer and later, the first Minister of Justice in a democratic South Africa, the late former Minister Dullah Omar, and the esteemed late Chief Justice Pius Langa and many others,” Mahatey said.

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De Kock served as a presiding officer in the Electoral Court in 1994, and in 1997 he was appointed by the minister of justice as a member of the Legal Aid Task Team which drafted the country’s National Public Defender Model.

Mahatey said he was the first person of colour to be appointed an Attorney General in the country when he took up the post of Attorney General of the Western Cape in 1999, after which he joined the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape in November 2003. He was also asked to act as the National Director of Public Prosecutions in 2019 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Other interests

De Kock was appointed by the president as deputy national director of public prosecutions in June 2020, a position he held until his passing.

“After a luminary career, marked by an uncompromising dedication to justice, the democratic order, and to his fellow citizens, his family and friends take great solace in knowing that Rodney served his country with unblemished integrity, dedication, honesty and humility. He was a devoted father to his children, Ryan and Samantha, whom he loved and cherished dearly,” said Mahatey.   

De Kock had many other interests and talents. He was a serious musician, having mastered the guitar and the saxophone. He was also a weekend motor mechanic and had a passion for spending time outdoors and with friends.

“The De Kock family takes much comfort from the fact that their beloved father, brother, and elder, passed peacefully after a short but courageous battle. They are grateful for the time they have shared with him,” Mahatey said.

Funeral

De Kock leaves behind his two children and four siblings. The family expressed its appreciation for the support from government, colleagues and friends at this difficult time.

“The family requests some privacy as they come to terms with the loss and make the necessary arrangements to lay Advocate De Kock to rest. Details of the memorial and funeral service will be communicated in due course,” Mahatey said.

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