National Prosecuting Authority deputy Rodney De Kock dies
The legal fundi's family has on Tuesday announced his passing at the Morningside Mediclinic in Johannesburg on Monday night following a December diagnosis of an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The late Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Rodney de Kock. Picture: Supplied/NPA
CAPE TOWN - Deputy National Director for Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Rodney De Kock has died after a short battle with cancer.
A former Director of Public Prosecutions in the Western Cape for over 15 years - De Kock is well-known for handling high profile matters in the province - including the plea bargain and extradition in the Anni Dewani honeymoon murder case.
His family has on Tuesday announced his passing at the Morningside Mediclinic in Johannesburg on Monday night following a December diagnosis of an aggressive form of brain cancer.
De Kock had a long and distinguished legal career - admitted as an attorney in 1986, and an advocate of the high court in 1999 – the same year he joined the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
He was appointed the Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape in 2003, after also serving as attorney general in the province.
President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed De Kock as the Deputy NDPP in 2020 after a short stint as acting national director.
Prior to his appointment to the NPA - De Kock was the director of the legal aid clinic at the University of Cape Town from 1994 to 1999 - where he was involved in training candidate attorneys and providing legal representation to indigent people.
De Kock has most recently overseen bringing former truth and reconciliation matters to court - including ensuring thorough investigations in cold cases.
In 1994 - he was appointed by the Electoral Commission to serve in the Electoral Court to adjudicate the disputes of political parties.
Former Justice Minister Dullah Omar also appointed him as a member of the Legal Aid Task Team in 1997 to conceptualise the national public defender model.
“After a luminary career, marked by an uncompromising dedication to justice, the democratic order and to his fellow citizens, his family and friends take solace in knowing that Rodney serves his country with unblemished integrity, dedication, honesty and humility,” reads a statement from his family.
Outside of his legal work - De Kock’s family says he was a talented musician playing both the guitar and saxophone. On weekends – he enjoyed being a motor mechanic and spending time outdoors with friends.
“The De Kock family takes much comfort from the fact their beloved father, brother and elder, passed peacefully after a short but courageous battle.”
He’s survived by his two children and four siblings.