Faizel Patel – 15/12/2019
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has confirmed that kidnapped South African photojournalist Shiraz Mohamed has been freed.
In a statement Gift of the Givers says it received the encouraging news, from a caller on Saturday, that Mohamed is free.
Mohamed was taken hostage more than two years ago on 10 January 2017 in Darkoush, Syria while travelling with Gift of the Givers on a relief mission to Syria.
Gift of the Givers Imtiaz Sooliman says they have informed Shiraaz’s family, International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor and Consular Services at International Relations of Mohamed’s freedom.
“The details are sketchy but they were told that Shiraaz “escaped” from captivity and at some point was assisted by “friendly” people, who were very aware of his case, given the huge publicity Gift of the Givers initiated worldwide around Shiraaz’s capture.”
Sooliman says they now wait for the South African government to make contact with Turkish Intelligence to bring Shiraaz home as soon as practically possible.
Meanwhile Mohamed’s family have also issued a statement saying they will keep the media informed once they have received independent confirmation that Shiraz is safely with the relevant authorities.
“Considering the sensitive nature of his circumstance, we believe it is irresponsible to make any public comment at it may endanger his (Shiraz) life.”
Gift of the Givers withdrew from negotiations for the release of Mohamed because his family started working with Dr Fekri Shabaan.
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