The family of a 65-year-old Johannesburg businessman, Winston Cliff, is growing increasingly concerned about his safety after he was arrested in Djibouti in August. Cliff, who has interests in construction and mining, had traveled to Djibouti in March to explore infrastructure development opportunities. 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 is believed to have occurred around August 24, several people have contacted his family claiming they can help with his legal representation in exchange for payment. The family has received conflicting explanations for Cliff's arrest, including an initial claim that he was being held over an unpaid hotel bill. More recently, they were told that Cliff was arrested for forging the signature of a minister.
Cliff was arrested alongside his Djiboutian business partner, Madina Auuled Robleh, who was released on the same day. According to Xolani Khuzwayo, Cliff's son-in-law, a lawyer who claimed to be representing Cliff initially told him 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, whose legitimacy the family suspects, sent them an invoice for $2,500, which is approximately R42,000. Khuzwayo reported the matter to the department of international relations and co-operation (Dirco) and told the lawyer that the family was trying to raise the funds. The lawyer then facilitated a video call between Cliff, Khuzwayo, and Cliff's daughter, Kim.
During the video call, Kim switched to Afrikaans in an attempt to establish what was happening without the others understanding. However, those in the room with Cliff insisted that they speak English, raising concerns for the family. Since then, they have received further calls demanding payment for legal assistance, but they remain unclear about Cliff's charges or court appearances.
Dirco spokesperson Clayson Monyela stated that the department was aware of Cliff's arrest and had been in contact with his family. Monyela described Djibouti as "difficult terrain" in such matters, citing instances where people had been arrested after failed deals with the prime minister, who is the president's son. He emphasized that the department could provide consular assistance but was not aware of the current status of the case.
The family is growing increasingly frustrated and worried, and Dirco's Monyela acknowledged that they expect more assistance from the government. However, he stressed that the government cannot simply intervene in Djibouti's processes. This is not the first time a South African has been arrested in Djibouti under unclear circumstances, and Cliff's family anxiously awaits further updates on his situation.
Key points
- The family of Winston Cliff, a 65-year-old Johannesburg businessman, fears for his safety after his arrest in Djibouti in August.
- The family has received conflicting explanations for Cliff's arrest and has been contacted by people demanding payment for his legal representation.
- The South African government has been informed of Cliff's arrest and is providing consular assistance, but cannot intervene in Djibouti's processes.
