Rodney de Kock, the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, died after a battle with cancer.
De Kock’s family said he died of cancer on Monday evening at Mediclinic Morningside Hospital in Johannesburg, surrounded by family and friends.
“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 severe form of brain cancer in early December of last year, leading in a quick fall in his health status.
According to the NDPP, De Kock’s death is a “huge loss for the NPA and the country”.
“The NPA leadership, NPA personnel, and colleagues in the criminal justice system will miss his dedication to justice and the rule of law in our country. DK, as we affectionately knew him, was a pillar of strength within the NPA.
“Among many other things, he led the law enforcement agencies on the FATF, focusing our joint efforts and determination to bring the country off the greylist, and devoted his final months to this job. He was an excellent lawyer, a gentleman, and a true justice warrior. He’ll be sadly missed. The NDPP wished strength to De Kock’s family and friends, as well as his NPA family, during this terrible period.
De Kock’s family spokesperson, Nazeem Mahatey, stated that the advocate had a renowned career in private practice, mentoring young lawyers and overseeing the country’s prosecution services.
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“In 1983, Advocate De Kock articled with Wilkinson Joshua and Gihwala, where he later became a partner. He went on to lead the Legal Aid Board Clinic at the University of Cape Town from 1994 to 1999, where many candidate attorneys finished 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,” according to Mahatey.
In 1994, De Kock served as a presiding officer in the Electoral Court, and in 1997, the minister of justice assigned him to the Legal Aid Task Team, which established the country’s National Public Defender Model.
Mahatey claimed to be the first person of colour to be appointed Attorney General in the country when he became Attorney General of the Western Cape in 1999. In November 2003, he joined the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) as Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape. In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa asked him to serve as the National Director of Public Prosecutions.
De Kock was appointed by the president as deputy national director of public prosecutions in June 2020, and he served until his death.
“After a distinguished career marked by an unwavering commitment to justice, the democratic order, and his fellow citizens, Rodney’s family and friends take great comfort in knowing that he served his country with unrivalled integrity, dedication, honesty, and humility.” “He was a devoted father to his children, Ryan and Samantha, whom he loved and cherished,” Mahatey stated.
De Kock has numerous additional interests and talents. He was a serious musician who had mastered the guitar and saxaphone. He was also a weekend motor mechanic who enjoyed spending time outside and with his pals.
“The De Kock family finds great consolation in the knowing that their beloved father, brother, and eldest died peacefully following a brief but valiant battle. “They are grateful for the time they spent with him,” Mahatey said.
De Kock left behind two children and four siblings. The family thanked the government, coworkers, and friends for their support during this trying time.
“The family asks for privacy while they cope with the loss and make the appropriate arrangements to lay Advocate De Kock to rest. Details about the memorial and funeral service will be announced in due time,” Mahatey stated.