Tributes of condolences have poured in for deputy director of Public Prosecutions, advocate Rodney de Kock who died after a short illness this week.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the passing of De Kock, who had been battling brain cancer since December last year.
He was appointed DNDPP on 1 June 2020, joining the NPA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) to help rebuild the organization following years of State Capture.
Prior to this role, De Kock served as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Western Cape, making history as the first Black person appointed to this position.
Before entering the public sector, he ran a successful law practice in Cape Town, specialising in human rights, civil, and criminal litigation.
His family described his work as marked by a deep commitment to fairness, equality, and the rule of law.
As DNDPP, De Kock, also known as DK, oversaw the National Prosecutions Service, supervising efforts across various divisions.
Known for his steadfast commitment to justice, he was particularly admired for leading efforts to address South Africa’s grey listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In his final months, he focused on this critical task.
NPA Spokesperson, Adv. Mthunzi Mhaga, expressed the profound loss: "The passing of Rodney de Kock is an immense loss to the NPA and the criminal justice system. He was not only a brilliant lawyer but a passionate advocate for justice, fairness, and the rule of law. His leadership and unwavering commitment to the values that underpin our democracy will be sorely missed."
The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) shared a heartfelt tribute stating: "This is a huge loss for the NPA and the country. De Kock was a solid lawyer, a gentleman, and a true warrior for justice. He will be sorely missed. His colleagues across the criminal justice system mourn the loss of a leader whose passion for justice and the rule of law was unwavering."
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, also shared her condolences: "The passing of Advocate Rodney De Kock is a profound loss to the NPA, the legal fraternity, and our country. He was a reliable pillar of strength to the NPA as it worked hard to rebuild itself and turn the tide against corruption. His wisdom, dedication, and commitment to service will be sorely missed."
Advocate Rodney de Kock had a distinguished career in the legal field, spanning over three decades.
He joined the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in February 1999 and rose to the position of Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions in 2020.
De Kock was also involved in various initiatives to enhance access to justice, including his work with the Legal Aid Board Clinic at the University of Cape Town and as a founding member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL).
His commitment to democratic values and the rule of law was evident throughout his career.
Seehaam Samaai, African feminist lawyer and newly appointed Commissioner for Gender Equality in the Northern Cape, reflected, "I first met Adv. Rodney de Kock as a young lawyer through NADEL. Later, during my time as a candidate attorney at the Legal Resources Centre, I worked under the UCT Legal Aid Board Clinic for three months to gain criminal law experience. Rodney was an attorney there, and our interactions left a lasting impression on me."
Samaai continued: "Rodney was an inspiring figure—always professional, approachable, and committed to justice.
“He supported many young lawyers, including myself, with his insight and encouragement. As secretary of the NADEL Western Cape branch, I often saw how dedicated he was to the profession and the organization. Despite his achievements, he remained humble and committed to serving the community."
Reflecting on their last interaction, Samaai said, "One of my most memorable moments with Adv. de Kock was when we reconnected last August at the opening of the Mitchells Plain Thuthuzela Centre during Women’s Month.
“His passing is a profound loss for the legal fraternity. His contributions to the legal field and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of South Africa have left an indelible mark."
Retired Western Cape High Court Judge Siraj Desai also expressed his heartfelt sympathy:
"It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Rodney de Kock. He was my friend and comrade for several decades. I first met him in the early eighties when he was an articled clerk. I was then counsel, and he briefed me on several occasions.
“He kept me on my toes as he always believed in his clients’ version of events. I recall him especially for his role in the early years of the formation of NADEL.
“He was deeply committed to our cause—essentially the democratic transformation of the Apartheid system of justice. He worked industriously to advance our vision without any ambition to secure a high position in a future dispensation."
"When the new South Africa came, he gave up offers of lucrative positions in the private sector to join the prosecution services.
“As his friends, we were proud of his achievements. At all times, he executed his tasks courageously, with dignity and impartiality. With his passing, the country loses a humble and outstanding servant of its people," Judge Desai remarked.
"I extend my deep condolences to his family and his many friends and comrades. We shall all miss him dearly."