The Deputy National Director of Prosecutions at the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate Rodney de Kock, has passed away. His family confirmed the news of his death in a statement released this morning.

LOST HIS BATTLE WITH CANCER

As per the statement, De Kock, aged 64, succumbed to brain cancer last night at the Morningside Mediclinic in Johannesburg, surrounded by his loved ones. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer in early December of the previous year and his health deteriorated swiftly. "The De Kock family finds solace in knowing that their cherished father, brother and elder departed peacefully after a brief yet valiant struggle. They are thankful for the moments they shared with him," the statement indicated.

DISTINGUISHED CAREER

Advocate Rodney de Kock served as the Director of the Legal Aid Board Clinic at the University of Cape Town from 1994 to 1999, where he trained candidate attorneys and offered legal representation to those in need within the courts. In 1999, he assumed the role of Western Cape attorney general. He subsequently joined the NPA as the Director of Public Prosecutions for the Western Cape in November 2003. In 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him as the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, a position he held until his death.

A PILLAR OF STRENGTH

The National Prosecuting Authority expressed in a statement that De Kock played a vital role in the reconstruction of the prosecuting authority following years of State Capture. "The leadership of the NPA, along with its staff and colleagues in the criminal justice system, will deeply miss his dedication to justice and the rule of law in our nation. Fondly referred to as DK, he was a cornerstone of strength within the NPA. Among his many contributions, he led the law enforcement agencies on the Financial Action Task Force, uniting our collective efforts and commitment to get the country to exit grey listing and dedicating his last months to this work," NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mghaga said. He added that this was a huge loss for the NPA and the country, as 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."