Cape Town — The Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions (DNDPP), advocate Rodney De Kock, has passed away following a short illness.
De Kock was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in December last year and this led to a steady decline in his health. The De Kock family confirmed his death on Monday evening surrounded by family and friends, IOL reported.
“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,” the statement said.
The family said De Kock had a luminary career that was dedicated to justice and democratic order and his family took solace that he served his country with such integrity, dedication and humility. De Kock leaves behind his two children and four siblings and the family was grateful for the support.
STATEMENT BY THE DE KOCK FAMILY ON THE PASSING OF DEPUTY NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS, ADV RODNEY DE KOCK:
It is with great sadness, that the De Kock family announces the passing of Adv Rodney De Kock, a seasoned advocate and officer of the court, who, at the time of… pic.twitter.com/0ai9jZeGW4
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 21, 2025
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressed their sadness at De Kock’s passing. De Kock had been the DNDPP since June 2020 and joined the NPA ExCo after the years of state capture, a statement read.
De Kock became the first black man to be appointed as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Western Cape and he also ran a successful Cape Town law firm that focused on human rights and civil litigation.
The NPA paid tribute to ‘DK’ as he was known and said his passion for justice and the rule of law in his country would be missed.
“This is a huge loss for the NP and the country. He was a solid lawyer, a gentleman and a true warrior for justice. He will be sorely missed,” the NDPP said.
Tributes across social media came pouring in for De Kock:
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Advocate Rodney De Kock who served as Deputy Director of the National Prosecuting Authority. Adv De Kock was a dedicated civil servant determined to make South Africa a better place. Sincere condolences to his loved ones and friends. pic.twitter.com/IESQjNQH6n
— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) January 21, 2025
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation extends condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Advocate Rodney de Kock.
As Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, he served South Africa with dedication and integrity. His service to the Nation will continue to inspire those… pic.twitter.com/rESeysq3JB
— Kathrada Foundation (@KathradaFound) January 21, 2025
Such sad news. Chad Thomas and Glenda Paul, from IRS Forensic investigations, together with Jaco de Jager, from @ACFESA met with Adv Rodney de Kock who was open to public private collaboration, and Adv de Kock was a part of the process to sign an MoU with ACFE SA. He will be… https://t.co/qZGDYVX7NT
— IRS Forensic Investigations (@FraudWatchZA) January 21, 2025
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
