Johannesburg Family Fears for Winston Cliff, 65, Held in Djibouti Prison Without Answers
- Winston Cliff, a 65-year-old Johannesburg businessman, was arrested in Djibouti in August 2026 under unclear circumstances
- His family has received conflicting explanations for his detention and has been approached by individuals demanding money
- South Africa's DIRCO acknowledged the family's frustration but said it cannot intervene in Djibouti's legal processes
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The family of a Johannesburg businessman is living in fear after he was detained in a Djibouti prison following a trip to the East African nation to explore infrastructure opportunities.
According to TimesLive, Winston Cliff, 65, first travelled to Djibouti in March 2026 to pursue prospects in mining and construction. He was arrested on or around 24 August 2026, together with his local business partner, Madina Auuled Robleh. Robleh was released on the same day. Cliff remains held at Gabode prison.
Contradictory reasons for detention
What has alarmed his family most is the string of conflicting explanations they have received for why he is being held. One account attributed his arrest to an unpaid hotel bill. The most recent allegation is far more serious: that Cliff forged the signature of a government minister.
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His daughter Kim and son-in-law Xolani Khuzwayo have since been contacted by unknown individuals requesting money. A lawyer based in Djibouti, whose legitimacy the family doubts, told them that two men had orchestrated Cliff's arrest to access his finances. That lawyer then demanded a legal fee of $2,500, roughly R42,000.
Family turns to DIRCO for help
The family has lodged a formal complaint with South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela acknowledged how distressing the situation has been for the family but was clear that the South African government has no authority to interfere in Djibouti's judicial proceedings.
The suspected lawyer has since arranged a video call between Cliff and his family, offering them brief visual confirmation that he is alive. However, his legal position remains deeply uncertain, and the family has no clear path forward.
Source: Getty Images
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Source: Briefly News
