The family of Winston Cliff, a 65-year-old Johannesburg businessman with interests in construction and mining, is growing increasingly concerned about his safety after he was arrested in Djibouti two months ago. Cliff had traveled to Djibouti in March to explore infrastructure development opportunities in the northeastern African country. His family only learned of his arrest in mid-September, when a lawyer they had hired in Djibouti confirmed that Cliff was being held at Gabode prison.
Since Cliff's arrest, which occurred around August 24, his family has received conflicting explanations for the reasons behind his detention. Initially, they were told that he had been arrested over an unpaid hotel bill. However, the latest information suggests that Cliff was arrested for forging the signature of a minister. His son-in-law, Xolani Khuzwayo, expressed the family's frustration and uncertainty, stating that they do not know what to believe.
The family's concerns have been exacerbated by reports of people contacting them, claiming they can help with Cliff's legal representation in exchange for payment. A lawyer, whom the family suspects may be bogus, initially told Khuzwayo that two men had approached him with a plan to have Cliff arrested so they could gain access to money they believed he had. The lawyer reportedly promised a cut of the money in exchange for his cooperation.
Cliff was arrested alongside his Djiboutian business partner, Madina Auuled Robleh, who was released on the same day. According to Khuzwayo, the lawyer representing Cliff claimed that after realizing Cliff's innocence, he decided to work with him instead of the individuals who had orchestrated the arrest. The lawyer has since sent the family an invoice for $2,500, which Khuzwayo said they are trying to raise.
The family has had limited communication with Cliff, with the lawyer facilitating a video call between Cliff, Khuzwayo, and Cliff's daughter, Kim. However, during the conversation, Kim switched to Afrikaans, and those in the room with Cliff insisted they speak English. Kim explained that she had done so to establish what was happening without the others understanding.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) is aware of Cliff's arrest and has been in contact with his family. Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela described Djibouti as "difficult terrain" in such matters, citing instances where people had been arrested in the country after failed deals with the prime minister, who is the president's son. Monyela emphasized that while the department can provide consular assistance, it cannot intervene in Djibouti's processes.
The family continues to face uncertainty and frustration as they await updates on Cliff's case. With repeated demands for payment from individuals claiming to be able to assist with his legal representation, they are struggling to determine the truth about his arrest and the current status of his case. As the situation unfolds, the family hopes for a resolution and Cliff's safe return to South Africa.
Key points
- The family of Winston Cliff fears for his safety amid unclear charges and demands for money from people claiming they can help with his legal representation.
- Cliff's family has received conflicting explanations for his arrest, including an unpaid hotel bill and forgery of a minister's signature.
- The Department of International Relations and Cooperation is providing consular assistance but cannot intervene in Djibouti's processes.
